Robert Babauta, 28, and Raymond Tudela, 32.
THE bodies of Saipan-born divers Raymond “Jun” Tudela and Rupert Babauta were recovered Sunday, July 23, on Ohau’s North Shore in Hawaii, USA Today reported, quoting the Honolulu Fire Department.
Tudela 32, went to Saipan Southern and Kagman high schools while Babauta, 28, was a former SSHS student. The two were brothers-in-law and coworkers at a Windward Oahu auto dealership.
According to USA Today:
“Honolulu fire officials said they received a 911 call at 3:40 a.m. Sunday, reporting two free divers who had not been seen for several hours off Velzyland Beach near Sunset Beach.
“Authorities said firefighters reported seeing a submerged dive light about 150 feet from the shore, so they dove underwater and found an unresponsive diver attached to the dive light. Crews brought him to shore just after 4:40 a.m. where he was pronounced dead, fire officials said.
“Crews found the second unresponsive diver at 6:50 a.m. Sunday and brought him to shore. He was also pronounced dead at the scene….”
HawaiiNewsNow described the two as experienced free divers who were apparently spear fishing.
Tudela’s wife and Babauta’s sister, Mercylyn, told Variety on Thursday:
“I’d like everyone to know that we the family believe that with the bond Rupert and Raymond had, that they died trying to save each other. I want everyone to know that they were happy. They were so happy. They lived their lives in the water and found heaven’s gates in the water. Although it pains us to let them go, we know in our soul that they found joy and peace in the heart of the ocean.”
She added, “They loved their kids so much.”
A friend and a family member, Candriel Abadam, has created a GoFundMe “in hopes to alleviate the financial struggles for both families in any way possible.”
“On the night of July 22nd, God called Jun and Rupert home,” Abadam said. “They were angels who sailed back to God on a sea-of-joy. Both were the most happy-go-lucky guys. They were always cracking jokes together & even having their ‘bromance’ moments every chance they got! They were at the happiest point in their lives when they went on their fishing trip together. We know they are both smiling, chewing pugua, and lighting one up as we speak. We humbly ask you to let this time be in celebration of their lives. We want to show them the support they always knew they had from friends and families. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated.”
Abadam said all funds raised will be go directly to Mercylyn Tudela, “the wife and mother of Jun and his two boys, as well as Leah, the beloved half and mother of Rupert’s four beautiful children.”
To contribute, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-raymond-jun-rupert?
