29 March 2023 , 10:49
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A British pensioner has been found dead after he went missing while diving in the Philippines.
Derek Arthur Silverthorne, 79, from Brighton, was tragically found unconscious in the water of the secluded Bisucay island in Cuyo by a passing ferry.
The expatriate, who was part of the local watersports association and known as Bill to friends, was last seen alive swimming on Saturday morning.
He was found later that day and coastguards attempted to revive him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bill's best friend Jimmy from the Cuyo Watersports Association described him as the "happiest person" in an emotional tribute.
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He said: "We still can't believe what happened to him. Bill was the happiest person I knew. He loved the sea and loved diving. I cannot give any more details about how he died."
Derek, also known to friends as Bill, was found unconscious as he drifted on the surface of water (ViralPress)Local businesswoman Daziella Young said on March 26 that Bill had been staying in the tropical country for more than a decade.
She wrote on Facebook: "In our Island of Cuyo Palawan, a British bachelor lives for more than 15 years (since 2008) at our humble pension house (Villa Gange) whom the locals knew as Mr Bill, noisy Bill, Champ etc. But for us he is family."
She continued: "We love u so much Mr Bill that it breaks my heart to know you left us so suddenly. You are not a Tourist, you are an adopted son of our Island and we love you eternally."
The grieving friend said that Bill's wake would be held in her home to follow his wishes.
The expatriate was part of the local watersports association (ViralPress)She added: "His wake will take place at our home in Villa Gange, Catadman, Cuyo, Palawan. We contacted his next of kin and the UK embassy because he wanted to be buried in his beloved Cuyo Island-his second home."
Her post was filled with over 30 comments of condolences and well wishes.
His funeral is still being arranged as Derek's local friends coordinate with the embassy.