I am not sure how to determine the importance of the old "we've all heard stories of" when it comes to an instance like this one.
In truth diving deaths and accidents are not frequent (see DAN or Undercurrent articles on diving safety). Diving, considering that we are in an environment we should not be, is relatively safe. I have seen boats full of people that barely have sense to get to the dive operator, yet, nothing bad happens. This happens all over the world, with people breaking protocol to extents that make this kind of event a non-issue (dm ascending without less experienced accompanying diver).
Panic, inexperience, and lack of physical condition lead to alot of accidents. I think this was a real non-issue.
In truth diving deaths and accidents are not frequent (see DAN or Undercurrent articles on diving safety). Diving, considering that we are in an environment we should not be, is relatively safe. I have seen boats full of people that barely have sense to get to the dive operator, yet, nothing bad happens. This happens all over the world, with people breaking protocol to extents that make this kind of event a non-issue (dm ascending without less experienced accompanying diver).
Panic, inexperience, and lack of physical condition lead to alot of accidents. I think this was a real non-issue.