Biscayne National Park fatality - Florida

[DandyDon]

Is spearfishing legal in the park? Shallow water blackout is poorly addressed here, but then it's difficult to explain in a news story, even if a reporter understood.

Man dies while diving east of Elliot Key

MIAMI - A 20-year-old man died while spear fishing off Elliot Key on Saturday morning, authorities said.

He was with a group of divers at the Biscayne National Park when he went missing. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's marine units were involved in the search.

A "shallow water black out" might have caused him to drown, according to Florida Fish & Wildlife officials.

This happens when a diver is in shallow water and holds his breath until blacking out. The medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death.

 

[Johnoly]

Is spearfishing legal in the park? ...

There's some restricted patches, but legal spots are still easy to kayak to from shore. Lionfish is exempted for spearing also in areas. The problem always has been dirty viz.

 

[flspy]

Guaranteed it was an illegal spearfishing activity.