A Russian diver, who initially was reported to have been killed by a shark off Verde Island in Batangas province, actually died from lack of oxygen, confirmed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in southern Luzon. Although sharks had been spotted in the area, the cause of death was determined to be asphyxia, likely caused by the environmental conditions, probably due to strong underwater currents. The incident involving the diver and another Russian in the area for dives at Batangas was the first recorded case of a potential shark attack in this region. However, the PCG clarified that the cause of death does not have a direct relation to the shark attack, and that death was most likely caused by strong underwater currents. The dive center, which had received the divers, also confirmed that the shark attack was not a common cause of death.
A representative of PCG stated: "A preliminary report from our office states that the victim died of asphyxia secondary to drowning that was preceded by a shark attack, but we need to investigate this further".
"Recent reports of the deaths of divers due to a shark attack," said the representative of the Coast Guard. "At this moment we cannot confirm the fact of a shark attack."
Diving in the submarine, postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions, is being studied within the framework of a project of cooperation between Russia and the Philippines.
