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I don't believe I've ever met this individual, although I'm sure others have. Nothing to add to this except my thoughts for the family.
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PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. -- A diver from suburban Chicago died in deep water in the Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan, authorities said today.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department said 48-year-old Phil. J. Patz of Stone Park, Ill., was diving in about 300 feet of water on Thursday afternoon when he failed to surface. His body was later recovered, and he was pronounced dead about four hours later.
It happened about nine miles southeast of the Port Washington harbor. Port Washington is about 20 miles north of Milwaukee.
The sheriff's department said no further information on the case of death or any investigative findings will be released before Monday.
Phil was a highly experienced diver, fun and quick to laugh. I'm only one of many who benefited from his willingness to help others and who enjoyed his company, there are lots of us rattled this weekend.
Phil was diving on the "Tennie & Laura", a scow schooner that sank in the early 1900's in about 325' of water. Deep, but within his range.
Phil was long known as an accomplished technical diver. I would not be surprised to know that he had dived nearly every wreck of note in the western Great Lakes. He was not one to take part in the "I've done it deeper and better than anyone else" discussions. He would just sit back with a smile on his face, seemingly amused by the contest. Phil was the one with the skill, the experience and the competence. He was the one you wanted on your team. He was a diver. He was a likable fellow. He was a good man. He will be missed.
__________________
Safe diving,
Capt. Dale Bennett
Instructor Trainer / Boat Captain
Lake Michigan Charters - Newbies to Technical Divers
Instruction - Open water to Tri-mix Instructor
"Breath out; breath in; repeat as necessary."
Last edited by captndale; June 29th, 2009 at 12:06 AM..
I hope I'm not being insensitive by asking what was the cause of this tragedy?
Phil was highly competent, experienced and cautious so we'd all like to know. Unfortunately, it may turn out that nobody does or ever really will. We might have to be satisfied with understanding that at the depths he was diving the margin for error can be very, very slim. Though it's natural to wonder, I hope that everyone will respect his family and friends enough to withhold their speculations.
Do we know anything more about the equipment and gases used? The newspaper are saying the police are suggesting gear failure.
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Safe Diving and Best Wishes,
I.G. Saturation
{ Comments are informational only and not meant to be medical advice applicable to a particular case. Consult your physician when considering information posted here }
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