Korean divers rescued in Cebu, 1 still missing

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – Two of the 3 Korean divers who had gone missing for days in Cebu province were found alive by authorities in Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday, July 7.

Driving instructor Baek Seung Kyoon, 34, and female diver Kim Eun, 31, were found by the rescue team in Camotes islands more than two days of drifting off the coast of Mactan Island.

The 3rd diver, Heo Seung Yung, 45 is still missing.

Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza has suspended the business permit of the dive shop at the New Grand Bleu Resort in Lapu-Lapu City. He said the shop should not have allowed a diving trip due to the rough seas.

The management of the resort assisted in the search by doing an aerial survey of the area using a private plane, said Andy Berame, deputy action officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Lapu-Lapu.

The Koreans went diving around 11 am on Sunday, July 5. When they failed to return to the resort by 3 pm, the management of the resort reported them missing to the police.

The team of rescuers was composed of members of the Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas District, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Central based in Lapu-Lapu City, and the local disaster management office. 

Lieutenant James Reyes of the naval forces said the female diver sustained wounds on the neck and face but refused to see a doctor.

The Navy has coordinated with the barangay captain in the San Fransisco in Camotes to help secure the survivors.

Reyes said that the Navy will send their vessel PG372 Alfredo Tecson Tuesday night to Camotes with the navy divers and a medical team to pick up the Korean divers.

Search and rescue operations for the 3rd diver will resume Wednesday morning. – Rappler.com