The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recommended the temporary suspension of all diving activities around Verde Island and surrounding waters following an incident that claimed the lives of two Russian nationals.
In a letter dated February 28, 2025, addressed to Oriental Mindoro Provincial Tourism Officer Don Stepherson Calda, the Coast Guard Station Oriental Mindoro (CGS ORMIN) requested an advisory be issued to all resort owners and diving operators in Oriental Mindoro.
“In light of the recent diving incident on February 27, 2025, which tragically resulted in the loss of two Russian nationals, we strongly recommend the temporary suspension of all diving activities in the area until further notice,” the letter stated.
The incident occurred on Thursday when four Russian tourists were scuba diving in the Pulong Bato area of Verde Island in Batangas, according to the Coast Guard Batangas.
Captain Airland Lapitan, commander of Coast Guard Station Batangas, reported that the divers were swept away by a sudden strong current.
Two of the divers managed to return to safety, but the other two went missing.
One of the missing divers was later recovered and rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
After several hours of searching, at approximately 5:50 p.m., rescue personnel aboard RBCA De Luna located the second missing diver, who was found unconscious with his right arm severed.
“According to the Coast Guard Substation Isla Verde, the incident could allegedly be a result of a shark attack due to the presence of sharks in the vicinity waters,” the PCG statement said.
Verde Island, located in the Verde Island Passage between the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, is internationally renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.
The Verde Island Passage, spanning approximately 1.14 million hectares, hosts over 1,700 marine species within a 10-kilometer area, earning it recognition from marine scientists as one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems on the planet.
The island’s vibrant coral reefs, steep drop-offs, and strong currents have made it particularly popular among experienced divers seeking challenging underwater experiences.
The Coast Guard cited two primary reasons for the recommendation to suspend diving activities: adverse sea conditions including unstable weather and rough seas that present hazards to divers and watercraft operations, and confirmed shark attacks with reports indicating an increased presence of sharks in the area.
Tourism in Verde Island is a contributor to Oriental Mindoro’s economy, with numerous resorts and diving operations dependent on the area’s natural attractions.
PCG said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
PCG has designated P/ENS Alvin M. Macabanti as the point of contact for further coordination.
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