Welcome to ScubaBoard, an online scuba diving forum community where you can join over 185,000 divers from around the world discussing all things related to Scuba Diving. To gain full access to ScubaBoard (and make this large box go away) you must register for a free account. As a registered member you will be able to:
Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts.
Communicate privately with other divers from around the world.
Post your own photos or view from well over 100,000 user submitted images.
Gain access to our free classifieds marketplace to buy, sell and trade gear, travel and services.
Use the calendar to organize your events and enroll in other members' events.
All this and much more is available to you absolutely free when you register for an account, so sign up today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact the ScubaBoard Support Team.
Anybody have any more info on the person who died in Catalina today? I had heard a 56 year old female bolted from her instructor while in Catalina during a certification dive. Also heard she was taken to the chamber and later died, possibly of cardiac arrest.
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence" -Mr. Einstein
November 1, 2009 | 5:25 pm
A woman who died today after scuba diving off Catalina Island has been identified as Mona Towle, 56, of Redlands, according to the Avalon sheriff’s station.
Sheriff’s dispatcher Connie Shepard said Towle was taken from the Avalon dive park, along with her diving instructor, to a hyperbaric chamber.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent a helicopter to the scene, but Towle was taken by boat to the Two Harbors facility, which is run by USC, according to fire department inspector Frederic Stowers.
Towle was reportedly seeking her deep-sea certification when she suddenly rose to the top from more than 65 feet below the surface at the park, which is near the Avalon Casino.
My heart breaks for the family and for all who participated in the class! Before we dissect the causes too much, let's remember Mona Towle and that her life was cut short too soon! I will pray for all those involved that they may know God's peace at this most difficult of times.