I think this sounds like classic hyperventilation. Carpopedal spasm (claw fingers) is a very normal symptom of hyperventilation/panic.
Drift dives, when you are new, can be scary. I remember my first one; I hated the feeling that the ocean was in control, and although we were all going the same places, I felt at risk to be separated from the group. I was very anxious and did not enjoy the dive very much at all.
I have since done much more intense drift diving, and I can now enjoy it more, but I still don't like the knowledge that the water is more in charge of my dive than I am. I can totally understand why you might end up hyperventilating.
Drift dives, when you are new, can be scary. I remember my first one; I hated the feeling that the ocean was in control, and although we were all going the same places, I felt at risk to be separated from the group. I was very anxious and did not enjoy the dive very much at all.
I have since done much more intense drift diving, and I can now enjoy it more, but I still don't like the knowledge that the water is more in charge of my dive than I am. I can totally understand why you might end up hyperventilating.