GThree American scuba divers and their companions returned safely in Bohol after they were rescued after being swept at sea when their boat engine malfunctioned. The divers were identified as Ali Swandal, 28, a human resource training specialist based in Arizona , Pierre Dufrene, 39, single, a biologist who hails from Minnesota , and Ian Willis, 30, single and an electrician from Colorado.

They were accompanied by Ruby Hora, 21, single, a resident of Doljo and three crew members from Tawala, all in Panglao. According to initial reports, the three along with the group left on board a pump boat from Alona Beach in Panglao last March 19. The team was on their way to a safari scuba dive in the seawaters off Camiguin island which is among the most sought-after dive sites in the country. What was supposed to be a pleasure cruise however suddenly turned into a cause for concern.

On March 21, personnel at the Scuba World dive shop in Alona received a text message from the boat captain identified as Elmer Loreno. Loreno requested for assistance because the boat had encountered engine trouble. He said the boat was being swept at sea and was driven by the northeastern wind in the seawaters between Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro City.

A boat from Scuba World immediately left to look for the boat but returned to Alona after being informed that the group had already been rescued. It was learned that the boat was towed to safety by a boat named “Ellah Yullah” by four men wearing ski masks who spoke in the Muslim dialect. The group was then rescued by policemen from Initao, Misamis Oriental who brought them safety to land. Last March 22, the group was brought to elements of the Philippine Navy in Misamis Oriental and were turned over to personnel from the Bohol Provincial PNP Office.