Two divers died in Isla Verde on February 26. They were Russian nationals. I did not know them. But the dive community is small. Their deaths weigh on all of us.

I wasn’t there. I will not speculate.

But I’ve read the reports. I’ve spoken to people who were there. And I’ve seen the way this incident has been twisted into something it wasn’t.

The shark narrative was baseless. Experts have ruled out an attack. Still, headlines and Facebook groups ran with it—some even before the bodies were recovered. This is not only disrespectful, it’s dangerous. It undermines efforts to promote safe and responsible diving in the Philippines.

One of the divers reportedly surfaced after 21 minutes—with zero air.

That is the fact that should’ve been in the headlines.

How I Dive

I dive with respect. For the sea. For its moods. For my limits.

I dive with nitrox. I check every tank myself. I log my dives. I hydrate. I rest between dives. I dive with a computer and use it religiously. I abort when something doesn’t feel right. No dive is worth dying for.

I don’t stop training. None of us should.

My dive buddies and I did skill drills last weekend. Buoyancy. Mask clearing. Reg recovery. SMB deployment. Because skills fade. Practice keeps us sharp.

Diving is a privilege. It demands preparation, presence, and humility.

For the Media

If you’re going to report on dive fatalities, get it right.

Talk to professionals. Ask what questions matter. Understand what dive profiles mean. Don’t quote anonymous dive “enthusiasts” or whip up fear for clicks.

Several local media outlets used videos taken by a friend—someone who was on the boat that spotted the first diver. Those videos were used without permission. Most reports attached a completely incorrect narrative to what was shown.

That’s reckless. And harmful.

People died.

The least you can do is honor them with the truth.