Diver reported missing in Tubbataha Reef

A diver has gone missing at the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan and is now the subject of a search and rescue mission by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

PCG spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo identified the diver as Bryan Nazareno, who has been missing since Monday afternoon at Amos Rock, a dive site north of Tubbataha Reef where he and some companions went aboard M/Y Palausport.

Balilo said the PCG received information about Nazareno on Tuesday morning.

"Immediately, we directed PCG District Palawan to verify the report, coordinate with the diver's group and launch SAR (search and rescue operations)," he said.

A Coast Guard patrol vessel, BRP Cabra, was dispatched to the area, on Tuesday afternoon to search for Nazareno, Balilo said.

"Onboard the vessel are frogmen from Special Operations Group and medical team," he said. "As of now, rescue teams are still scouring the area."

Nazareno is associated with the group of underwater photographer Gutsy Tuason, Balilo said. —KBK, GMA News