Three Koreans went missing after a dive off Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City, Sunday.
The foreigners started diving at around 11 a.m. but were not able to ascend as scheduled at 3 p.m according to Chief Insp. Conrado Manatad of Mactan Police Station 2.
Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard helped in the search for Baek Seung Kyoon, 37 years old, Heo Seung Yung, 45 years old, and Kim Eun, 31 years old.
The police report said they received the alert from Palmbeach Resort but the resort’s lawyer in an email said the divers are not their guests.
“They are not staying in Palmbeach Resort and Apartelle Inc. Palmbeach Resort and Apartelle Inc. are not involved in anyway in the operation of the dive resort,” said Rester John Nonato, legal counsel of the resort.
He said the divers are guests of Grand Bleu Dive shop.
Andy Berame of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Council said Grand Bleu Dive Shop is located inside the resort.
At around 6 p.m. Manatad said the team decided to end the rescue efforts due to unfavorable weather conditions.
“The search and rescue was stopped at 6pm because of the large waves and strong current and it is also night time. The team will resume the rescue operation tomorrow,” Manatad said.
READ: Pagasa: Strong to gale force winds in Visayas