Japanese tourist found lifeless in diving area

February 14, 2020

A Japanese tourist, who was part of a group, diving in Dauin, Negros Oriental on Friday, was found dead, floating in the area.

Dauin Municipal Police Station chief investigator, Police Master Sergeant Charlie De Luna, identified the victim as Kohei Kobashi, 80.

De Luna said Kobashi, with his three companions and one guide, dove at Punta Area Cogon, Apo Island in Dauin after arriving there in a pump boat around 9am

“Around 11 am, one of his companions noticed that he is floating. That’s why they brought him to the PAMB (Protected Area Management Board) area but he was already lifeless,” he said.

De Luna said the tourists did not coordinate with the PAMB when they dove in the area.

“They were not able to dock at Apo Island. From Dauin mainland they just dove at Punta… They did not coordinate with the DENR-PAMB office. They were supposed to pay (environmental fee),” he said.

De Luna said Kobashi was brought to Zamboanguita for autopsy.

“So far there are no signs of foul play,” De Luna said.  Ella Dionisio/DMS