Accident Off Of Catalina

[DCLESCERI]

On Sunday November 25th, A Few Friends And I Were Out On A Boat Near Two Harbors, Catalina Island, When We Heard A Call Go Out To The Coast Guarg For An Airlift For A Dive Accident. We Could Only Hear 1/2 Of The Call, But It Sounded Like The Diver Was Using A Rebreather. A Little While After The Call For Help We Saw The Coast Guard Heli Land At The Chamber. About An Hour After The Coast Guard Heli Left A La County Sheriff Heli Landed And Seemed To Take His Sweet Time To Load Up And Leave. I Have Not Been Able To Find Anything Out About This Accident And I Am Hoping Someone Here Will Have Some Info. Anything Would Be Helpfull To Calm The Wondering Mind.

Thanks

 

[drbill]

I was off in Florida when it happened but I'll try to remember to check with the local dive community later today.

 

[DCLESCERI]

Thank you any info would be great.

 

[DiverLS]

Yes - the diver was using a rebreather but it was not a rebreather accident. Anyway he is in bad trouble, at UC?? and on a reseprator. The bad part, he is father of a 5 month old.

So sad

Please see FDOG's post below - he knows a lot more about it than I do

 

[all4scuba05]

As in uncontrolled ascent or as in not enough deco time?

 

[123Scuba.com]

I would also be interested to know what rebreather he was using if anyone hears anything...

 

[fdog]

Within the limits of current medical knowledge, this was not a diving accident.

The only connection with diving is that the patient is is an instructor, and onset of symptoms occured on board a dive boat. The crew are to be commended in their handling of a medical emergency.

The patient is a very experienced pilot of a Megladon, and a RB instructor. He did do a single dive the day prior with the Meg; depth approx. 90' for 10 min. The Meg was examined several times and found to be in perfect working order. Again, although he did make a single dive, that has no bearing on this medical incident.

He has a wonderful 5 month old daughter, a loving wife and family, and a huge community that is pulling for him.


All the best, James

 

[DandyDon]

James, my best wishes for him and his family, but another poster said: "He came up way too fast from a long deep dive and showed problems almost immediately on Saturday." Would you like to clarify what did happen? This forum exists so we can learn from others.

 

[bvmjethead]

Would you like to clarify what did happen? This forum exists so we can learn from others.

Absolutely.

 

[DCLESCERI]

wow. so the accident accually occured on saturday? symptoms showed up on sunday? does anyone know his dive profile for saturday? my prayers go out to him and his family.