Korean diver dies in attempted rescue - Philippines

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DandyDon

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Korean diver drowns in attempt to rescue friend
WHEN Korean national Jang Hee Bum, 34, saw his diving buddy Cho Kyeong Cheon in trouble with his gear, he swam out to help. In a fit of panic, both of them drowned--Cheon was later saved, but Bum did not make it to the hospital alive.

In an initial investigation by the Lapu-Lapu City Police Monday, Nov. 5, PO3 Marven Saraum of the Homicide Section, said dive shop owner Jong Moon Lee told him that there was a group of Koreans who availed themselves of his services.

The group was in an area that was 120 meters deep. Lee said Cheon was having a hard time breathing, prompting Bum to help.

Cheon is now in stable condition in a hospital, while Bum was brought to a funeral home in Cebu City for autopsy. (FVQ of SuperBalita Cebu)
 
Very sad. Condolences to the families.

One lesson to be learned, even from the limited info presented. Coming to the aid of a panicked/trouble diver can be a dangerous thing.
 
so sad to hear such news....

it seems self-centered but the rescuer needs to be safe first...
 
One lesson to be learned, even from the limited info presented. Coming to the aid of a panicked/trouble diver can be a dangerous thing.

As they told me in the lifeguard course back before political correctness "the first thing he's gonna do is climb out of the water on top of you and drown you in the process, so be ready to knock 'im out if he tries that".
 
Sad.. may his memory be a blessing.
 
so sad to hear such news....

it seems self-centered but the rescuer needs to be safe first...
In reality it's not selfish at all. Two victims mean rescuers have to divide their efforts. That lowers the chance of saving the first victim. Try to help, but never become the second victim.
 
As they told me in the lifeguard course back before political correctness "the first thing he's gonna do is climb out of the water on top of you and drown you in the process, so be ready to knock 'im out if he tries that".

I don't like the idea of fighting with somebody who is probably in full fight/flight mode, pumped up on adrenaline and trying to survive. My wife's lifegaurd course was almost the polar opposite. They suggested that if you're in that situation, relax and let them push you under. Best case is that they'll give up on trying to climb you when you stop supporting them, worst case you should still outlast them underwater.

Like most things, both responses 'sound good' but it could always play out a hundred different ways. It's going to be crummy situation all around.
 
My wife's lifegaurd course was almost the polar opposite. They suggested that if you're in that situation, relax and let them push you under.

Good theory, works as long as you don't let them grab you. Which makes the rescuing part a tad difficult.

I had a kid hold on to my neck while I was towing her to shore (friends' daughter swam out far enough to start getting uncomfortable, and I was passing by close enough to see that look in her eyes). She was not in full-blown panic and she was maybe 6 at the time -- I promise you anyone bigger and more scared would have choked me out and I'd need some serious jiu-jitsu to escape from the hold.
 
I've had a kid climb up my back, which let's them breathe but not me. I can't outlast a kid breathing on the surface....

If you can't escape, the other advice I've heard (not tried) is to pull them under. That usually convinces them to let go in a hurry. (Less likely needed with a diver, though; we've got enough other alternatives like inflating a BCD or jettisoning weight on both victim and rescuer. )
 
If someone is in full panic mode, you don't have to engage them right away. You can let them get a little tired. If they are coming after you, swim to shore or out of the rip, maybe they will follow. A male adult in ok shape can easily drown you if he's going to grab you while climbing on top of you for air.

Bringing a can / buoy / inflated BC to the rescue is the way to go.
 
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