Dive Instructor Reported Missing After Pescador Island Dive in Philippines
Update, September 1, 2026: Deep Search Efforts Intensify
Search efforts for missing dive instructor Aliw “Iw” Zambrano have expanded into deeper areas around Pescador Island, according to a September 1 report by Divernet.
The publication reported that local technical divers and rebreather instructors have been searching the deep drop off areas around the dive site. During those searches, teams reportedly located items of diving equipment at depths beyond 100 metres.
There has been no publicly confirmed identification linking the recovered equipment to Zambrano, and the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear.
Divernet also reported that the Philippine Coast Guard and local police continue to treat the case as an active missing person investigation. Authorities have previously asked divers and others who were around Pescador Island between August 21 and 25 to provide any relevant footage or firsthand observations.
Zambrano was reported missing after failing to return to the surface following a dive on the western side of Pescador Island on August 21.
Diventures Magazine will continue to update this article as further information is confirmed by authorities, Zambrano’s family, or other reliable sources.
A search remains underway for a dive instructor who was reported missing following a dive near Pescador Island in Moalboal, Cebu, in the Philippines.
Aliw “Iw” Zambrano was reported missing on August 21 after taking part in a dive in the area. Public appeals from friends and members of the diving community have since circulated asking anyone who may have relevant information to contact Philippine authorities.
According to Interaksyon, Zambrano was reported missing at around 9 a.m. following a diving activity near Pescador Island. Social media appeals cited by the publication placed her last known location on the western side of the island, although the circumstances surrounding her disappearance have not been officially established.
Philippine Coast Guard Search Continues
A Notice to Mariners from Philippine Coast Guard Station Southern Cebu, dated August 25, confirmed an operation involving a missing dive instructor in waters around Pescador Island.
The notice asked mariners, dive operators, fishing vessels, recreational boaters and other vessels in the area to exercise caution and cooperate with Coast Guard personnel involved in the operation.
Maritime users were also asked to report any sightings of a person, personal belongings, diving equipment or other objects that might be connected to the missing diver.
The Coast Guard notice provided the following contact numbers for information related to the search:
Coast Guard Station Southern Cebu: 0962 875 9491
Coast Guard Sub Station Moalboal: 0915 490 9152
Diving Community Asked for Information
Friends of Zambrano have appealed particularly to divers and boat crews who were around Pescador Island and the surrounding Moalboal waters between August 21 and August 25.
The appeals ask anyone with firsthand information to report it to the authorities rather than speculate publicly about what may have happened.
At present, there is no verified public information establishing how Zambrano became separated or went missing during the dive. Diventures has also found no authoritative information confirming claims or theories circulating online about the circumstances of her disappearance.
Pescador Island is a well known diving location off Moalboal, with steep underwater walls, coral formations and deeper terrain around the island. These characteristics provide context for the search area but do not establish what occurred during Zambrano’s dive.
As of publication, Zambrano remains reported missing and no verified announcement confirming that she has been located has been found.
Developing Story: Diventures Magazine will update this article in place if verified information becomes available from the Philippine Coast Guard, other relevant authorities, or Zambrano’s family.
Sources: Interaksyon, Philippine Coast Guard notice as reported by Interaksyon.
Operations and Marketing Manager at Diventures, holds an advanced diver certification and writes outstanding articles for both the website and digital publications. She contributes to every step of the process with her creativity and organizational skills.
