Brutal shark attack and strong currents claim lives of two Russian divers in the Philippines

A devastating undercurrent and a shark attack during a diving trip off Batangas result in tragedy for two tourists.

In a harrowing incident off the coast of Batangas, Philippines, two Russian tourists met tragic ends during a diving expedition. Ilia Peregudin, 29, and Maksim Melekhov, 39, were part of a group that was swept away by strong undercurrents while diving near Verde Island—a popular spot known for its vibrant marine life.

The coast guard reported that while two divers and their Filipino instructor managed to return safely, Peregudin and Melekhov were less fortunate.

Coast guard district chief Airland Lapitan disclosed the grim details of the search and rescue operation. "The first man was found floating in the water and unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital," Lapitan stated.

The second man's fate was even more dire; he was discovered amidst a brutal shark attack. "It took rescuers over half an hour to free him from the sharks. Tragically, he lost his right arm and sustained severe injuries," Lapitan added.

Members of Coast Guard Batangas recover the bodies of two Russian nationals after they died during a diving session near Verde Island, Batangas City on Thursday.

According to reports, one of the victims was immediately brought to St. Patrick Hospital in Batangas City but was… pic.twitter.com/5reUfpqqBy

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) February 28, 2025

Despite valiant efforts to save him, the severity of the injuries proved too great. The local authorities noted, "The bodies were recovered and have been turned over to their families." An investigation has been launched to understand the full circumstances of the tragedy and to discuss preventative measures for future divers in the region.

Shark attacks are notably rare in the Philippines, with this being the first such incident recorded in over a year. This tragedy has prompted local officials to reevaluate safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.