Cozumel Incident 9/4/11

[Qnape]

On our recent (2nd) trip to Little Cayman, I was (once again) impressed by the recall system used there. During the boat briefing it was carefully explained that they would recall divers using an underwater speaker system if they wanted divers to return, or that if the emergency was such that they could not wait they would sound an alarm (which they then demonstrated). In that event divers were to stay away from the boat as it would be leaving immediately - and another boat would come to pick the other divers up. The recall system and careful, thorough boat and dive briefings, in addition to a reg hung at saftey stop depth under the boat at all times hookah style, seemed to me (in my limited experience) to be an excellent set of precautions for emergencies.

I understand that for a variety of reasons this system is not practical for many dives in Cozumel. Boat traffic and the currents make leaving divers in the water unwise to say the least near the ferry and cruise ship piers. Cost would of course be a factor, especially for smaller vessels such as six-packs. Such a system is not intended for technical dives (which this dive should have been if properly planned with the right gear and training). A reg at 16' would not have resolved the issue from the missed decompression stops but might have helped - certainly better than exiting the water, changing gear and jumping back in. Perhaps someone could comment as to whether this would have changed but not prevented the severity of the outcome. I cannot help but think that a better recall system might have helped speed the return of the other divers and reduced the time required to begin the trip to the chamber.

 

[cicopo]

If in fact other divers were also doing a deep dive was anyone certified / qualified to lead that group? Were they customers or more friends? And why haven't we heard from them? Are there legal issues keeping them silent? So much risk and absolutely no safety system in place. It's hard to believe that 6 divers put their faith in everything they had to in order to best their max depth recorded.

 

[Mossman]

I really had no interest in deep air dives prior to this event and they certainly hold even less appeal now.

I admit I'm the opposite. All this talk of viscous air and wah-wahs piques my curiosity. Fortunately I don't live in a clear warm-water locale where I could jump in right now and try it out.

 

[Simon-]

Unfortunately, boundaries and limits will always be pushed. Especially by those not fully understanding the risks they are taking or the real danger they place themselves in. The Blue Hole in Dahab is a perfect example. Recreational divers trying to do a technical dive with recreational planning and equipment. Nett result is divers injured or dead.

I am sure that there are a good number on this board who are now thinking "there but for the grace of God go I" Maybe not to the extreme depths in this case, but who have certainly pushed the limits and got away with it.

I sincerely hope the 3 divers involved make full recoveries in time and are able, in some way, to give vital information to organisations such as DAN, which may mean improved treatments for divers in the future.

 

[Qnape]

If in fact other divers were also doing a deep dive was anyone certified / qualified to lead that group? Were they customers or more friends? And why haven't we heard from them? Are there legal issues keeping them silent? So much risk and absolutely no safety system in place. It's hard to believe that 6 divers put their faith in everything they had to in order to best their max depth recorded.

By definition, noone is certified / qualified to lead a bounce dive using AL80's and air to 250', never mind 325'. Maybe I am wrong (I hope not) but what agency would certify a deep air bounce diving instructor? Also, especially as the basic facts of the story are now out so they would have little to add, if you were one of the other three deep air bounce divers (disregarding any potential legal issues for the moment), would you be in a big hurry to advertise this? Their silence is deafening. I will wholeheartedly agree that for such experienced divers to participate in such a dive is disappointing and surprising - but as I have learned not unique as this type of tragedy has happened too many times in the past. We can only hope that this story becomes well known to many and discourages those who might be participating in similar activities.

 

[DandyDon]

I've seen a reg & tank hung at 15 ft at the back of the boat. I figured if I ever counted on it, then there would be two divers already on it when I got there. I plan my dive by the tank on my back, less the 500 psi reserve I plan to use only in an emergency, then carry my exta in my 19 cf slung on my side. It's rare to see a pony in Coz, and it's a hassle to service the tank & reg annually, then pack it, transport it, get it filled on arrival, board it along with all my other gear, and pass it up to the skipper before I exit - but it goes where I do. ilot:

 

[boulderjohn]

I will wholeheartedly agree that for such experienced divers to participate in such a dive is disappointing and surprising - but as I have learned not unique as this type of tragedy has happened too many times in the past. We can only hope that this story becomes well known to many and discourages those who might be participating in similar activities.

On one of my more recent trips to Cozumel, two people I met diving told me that on another trip they were on, they had talked about wanting to do a dive like that while they were on a boat between dives. The DM told them he could arrange that privately. They later did a bounce dive to more than 200 feet with that DM, apparently off the books of the operator they were using.

 

[DiverG]

By definition, noone is certified / qualified to lead a bounce dive using AL80's and air to 250', never mind 325'. Maybe I am wrong (I hope not) but what agency would certify a deep air bounce diving instructor? Also, especially as the basic facts of the story are now out so they would have little to add, if you were one of the other three deep air bounce divers (disregarding any potential legal issues for the moment), would you be in a big hurry to advertise this? Their silence is deafening. I will wholeheartedly agree that for such experienced divers to participate in such a dive is disappointing and surprising - but as I have learned not unique as this type of tragedy has happened too many times in the past. We can only hope that this story becomes well known to many and discourages those who might be participating in similar activities.

What silence is happening now? First diver posted with a false account of the dive. Second diver has been talking and his message has been posted here and elsewhere. He is not trying to shift blame either. Third diver is fighting for her life, and is unable to to talk.

 

[Rescue Diver68]

deleted post

 

[Simon-]

What silence is happening now? First diver posted with a false account of the dive. Second diver has been talking and his message has been posted here and elsewhere. He is not trying to shift blame either. Third diver is fighting for her life, and is unable to to talk.

I think it is a reference to the other group of divers in the water at the same time