Yamashita treasure hunters rescued from Puerto Princesa dig site

via Philippine News Agency, 13 July 2023: Five treasure hunters searching for General Yamashita’s treasure nearly suffocated to death, but were revived and rescued by emergency responders in Puerto Princesa City.

Earl Timbancaya, head of the Puerto Princesa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said Thursday the treasure hunters encountered difficulty breathing and eventually lost consciousness due to a severe lack of oxygen.

He said the incident took place in Barangay Luzviminda at 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, as the five men were operating a pump to drain the water that had accumulated below the site they were digging.

“They ran out of air because they were running a motorized water pump to drain the water below. They were all cramped down there while all along, the pump’s exhaust was producing carbon monoxide. Of course, they would eventually lose consciousness,” Timbancaya said.

Source: Yamashita treasure hunters rescued from Puerto Princesa dig site | Philippine News Agency