Diver missing from Vandenberg Wreck in Key West
- Thread starter Andy in Gap
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ReadyTo Dive
Contributor
Very sad to hear this and best wishes for a positive outcome quickly. When I dove the Vand. the current was raging+, viz was 12’-15’ and it was one of the only times I honestly thought I wasn’t going to make it home. Lots of calm blue water days (and pics online) but on the wrong day this wreck can be far, far from that.
Currents from the Keys all the way up the east coast of Florida can be challenging, quite challenging, especially for divers who are not used to that kind of current or are not ready for it. Trying to dive a moored wreck in crazy strong current is some of the most difficult diving there is. Very easy to get yourself in trouble if you haven't worked through your protocols. I far prefer hot dropping wrecks in strong current, but that only works with a really large wreck, a wreck with significant sheltering relief, or series of wrecks.
OP
Andy in Gap
Contributor
According to the news reports he is an instructor at a shop in Key West, Lost Reef Adventures. I assume that means he knows the wreck, is familiar with strong currents, and is properly outfitted for ocean diving. Gives some hope that he is adrift and can be found.
Cert1967
Contributor
Separated diver strikes lucky – but instructor missing
A scuba diver separated from his dive-boat off the Florida Keys had a lucky break in late July thanks to two vigilant law-enforcement officers – but a Keys
divernet.com
U.S. Coast Guard searches for missing dive instructor off Key West. Here’s what we know
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office dive team is using sonar imaging in the search-and-rescue operation.
www.aol.com
Vandenberg Wreck Dive
The USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg off the coast of Key West has become a main attraction for divers from all over the world!
lostreefadventures.com
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ReadyTo Dive
Contributor
Agreed. Lost Reef is who I was out there with also; solid boat and operation from everything I experienced/remember. It is another reason why I strongly believe in PLB’s though.
Jackie
Contributor
Terrible shop name. PLBs are a good tool in these circumstances.
johndiver999
Contributor
If he had a light and he made it to the surface, then they would have found him the first night. It has been calm for a while.
ReadyTo Dive
Contributor
Any updates? It’s now been about 48 hours…
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