The Russian Embassy in the Philippines has confirmed the deaths of two Russians off the island of Verde.

The Russian Embassy in the Philippines confirmed the death of two Russians who were diving off the island of Verde, the diplomatic mission reported on February 28.

"According to information received in due course, Russian citizens M. S. Melekhov and I. Peregudin drowned while diving off the island of Verde on February 27 at about 13:30 (08:30 Moscow time)," the message quotes TASS.

The embassy's press service added that Melekhov's body was taken to St. Patrick's Hospital in Batangas. Peregudina — to the Puerto Galera Hospital, located in the province of Oriental Mindoro.

Earlier on February 28, the Associated Press reported that in the Philippines while swimming underwater, a group of tourists was swept away by the current, two Russians died. It was noted that there were four Russian tourists — two were able to surface together with the instructor. The victims were identified as 29-year-old Ilya Peregudin and 39-year-old Maxim Melekhov. An hour later, Melekhov was found unconscious in the sea, and he later died in the hospital. After some time, Peregudin's body was discovered, with sharks circling around him.