Young pearl diver dies off (Kimberley)coast (Western Australia)

[diver257a]

The following link reports the death of a 22 year old commercial diver working in the pearling industry who died sometime after 4.30 pm local time on Saturday afternoon (i.e. 14 April 2012) after being ‘distressed’ - Young pearl diver dies off coast | Adelaide Now, assessed 9.00 pm (GMT+09:30).

 

[Quero]

Do you know if this was a scuba-related, surface supplied air, or breath-hold incident?

 

[diver257a]

An insight into pearl diving practice in northern WA can be gained at the following link - this suggests the use of surface-supplied air & use of a bail-out breathing system: http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au...s P/567 Pearl Producers Association (Inc).pdf, assessed 16 April 2012, 7:07pm.

More news is available at the following links.

‘Perth water police are investigating the death of a commercial pearl diver in Broome’ at
Perth water police are investigating the death of a commercial pearl diver in Broome | The Courier-Mail, assessed 16 April 2012, 7:07pm (GMT+09:30).

‘Industry shocked by pearl diver's death’ at Industry shocked by pearl diver's death - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), assessed 16 April 2012, 7:07pm (GMT+09:30).