British pensioner, 79, dies while diving in the sea off the Philippines
- Derek Arthur Silverthorne, known as Bill to his friends, passed away Saturday morning
- He was from Brighton, UK, but had been living in the Philippines for about 15 years
A British pensioner has been found dead after diving into the sea off the coast of the Philippines.
Derek Arthur Silverthorne, 79 – who is originally from Brighton but has lived in the Philippines for 15 years – was last seen alive on Saturday morning, March 25, swimming in the crystal clear waters of remote Bisucay Island in Cuyo, Palawan province .
A passing ferry saw Mr. Silverthorne, known to friends as Bill, unconscious as he floated on the surface of the water at 11:30 am.
The expat, who was part of the local water sports club, was wearing a rashguard diving top and flippers when officers retrieved him. Coast guards tried to resuscitate him with CPR, but to no avail.
His body was taken to Cuyo District Hospital, where medics confirmed he was dead.
Derek Arthur Silverthorne, 79, was originally from Brighton but had lived in the Philippines for about 15 years
A spokesman for the East Palawan Coast Guard said: ‘East Palawan Coast Guard Station (CGSEP) personnel rescued a foreign tourist from the ocean after receiving information about a body floating in the passage of the coast.
“The man immediately received chest compressions while running the route back to the port of Cuyo, Palawan, but could not be resuscitated.
“Upon arrival at the said port, the man was immediately rushed to Cuyo District Hospital using the vehicle from the said station, although he was pronounced ‘dead on arrival’ by the designated physician.”
Mr. Silverthorne’s best friend, Jimmy of the Cuyo Watersports Association, said, “We are arranging for his funeral to be held here on the island tomorrow, March 30. We still can’t believe what happened to him.
“Bill was the happiest person I knew. He loved the sea and loved to dive. I can’t give any further details about how he died.’
Local businesswoman Daziella Young said on Sunday, March 26, that Bill had been in the tropical developing country for more than a decade.
She said: ‘On our island of Cuyo, Palawan, a British bachelor lived in our humble guest house for more than 15 years since 2008.
Derek Arthur Silverthorne (left center) was last seen alive on Saturday morning, March 25, swimming in the crystal clear waters of remote Bisucay Island in Cuyo, Palawan province.
He was part of the family to us. He was our very first tenant. We love you so much Bill, it breaks my heart to know that you left us so suddenly.’
The grieving friend announced that a vigil would be held at her home to follow the Englishman’s wishes.
She added, “His wake will be held at our home in Villa Gange, Catadman, Cuyo, Palawan. We have contacted his next of kin and the British Embassy because he wanted to be buried on his beloved Cuyo Island, his second home.”
His funeral is still being arranged as local friends consult with the embassy.