Scuba diver from Hong Kong dies in waters off Batangas

(Editor’s Note: The earlier report on this incident quoted an inaccurate statement from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regarding the leadership of the diving trip. The PCG has issued a clarification, and we are reposting the corrected story.)

MANILA, Philippines—A scuba diver from Hong Kong was found dead, floating off Verde Island in Batangas, while a luxury diving yacht reported having engine trouble off Cuyo Island in Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday.

Hong Kong national Tak Kong Yung, 37, was found floating lifeless off Barangay Sawang on Verde Island during a diving trip Thursday morning, the PCG said in a statement.

Tak and eight others were on a diving expedition off Verde Island at 9 a.m. During their second dive session at around 12 p.m., Tak was seen floating in the water, the PCG said.

“The team immediately administered CPR and other emergency medical procedures but with negative results,” it said.

The PCG said the remains of the Hong Kong national were brought to Calapan City for autopsy and proper disposition.

The PCG also reported that the luxury diving yacht, MV Philippine Siren, suffered engine trouble off Cavili Island in Cagayancillo, Cuyo, Palawan, while it was en route to Tubbataha from Cebu.

“The Coast Guard district in Palawan under its commander, Commodore Enrico Efren A. Evangelista, directed the PCG vessel BRP Romblon and teams from the Special Operation Unit together with a medical team from the district to proceed to the site and conduct search and rescue operations,” the PCG said.

The MV Philippine Siren had a crew of 12 with 16 foreign nationals as passengers but no one was reported hurt.