Three South Korean divers were rescued at Isla Verde, Batangas, after drifting 3.77 nautical miles during a diving activity at Canyon Reef, Barangay Sinandigan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, on August 11, 2026. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
BATANGAS CITY- Three South Korean divers were rescued off Isla Verde, Batangas during a diving activity at Canyon Reef, Barangay Sinandigan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, on August 11, 2026.
Philippine Coast Guard Southern Tagalog reported that the divers were expected to surface after one hour of diving.
The report said that when the divers failed to surface within the expected time, the operator of the divers’ speedboat attempted to locate them but was unable to do so due to worsening sea conditions.
The operator contacted the municipal administrator of Puerto Galera, who immediately reported the incident to the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Puerto Galera, prompting the deployment of Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.
The CGSS Puerto Galera coordinated with PNP Maritime, MDRRMO Puerto Galera, local dive operators, and other maritime stakeholders to intensify the search for the three foreign divers.
The report added that during the search, the three divers were located approximately 3.12 nautical miles northwest of Brgy. San Agustin, Isla Verde, Batangas. The crew of M/V FastCat M19 spotted a rapidly flashing light on the water which led to the location of the divers.
One female diver was successfully rescued by M/V FastCat M19, while the two male divers were safely recovered by Paradise Diving Boat 4. The three divers were brought together and safely transported to Brgy. Sabang, Puerto Galera.
The foreigners were assessed by personnel of MDRRMO Puerto Galera and confirmed to be in safe condition.
The Coast Guard Station (CGS) Oriental Mindoro, in coordination with CGSS Puerto Galera, is conducting further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements.