Background information about the dive and the video:
The water temperature was 3C / 37.4F, this was during winter and in salt water.
The diver shown in the video was in a sidemount configuration with two 12 liter / 85 cuft tanks while his buddy who ran out of gas used a single 12 liter / 75 cuft tank.
The purpose of the dive was underwater work, more specifically running a line from shore to several underwater items that were marked for removal.
The diver who took the video did not participate in the work portion but tagged along to take video
The average depth was around 13.5 m / 44 ft and the total dive time just over 50 minutes.
Gas mismanagement by the OOA diver was the leading cause of the accident.
He simply breathed his single tank dry.
The attempt to signal the upcoming OOA is shown in the video, the actual signs are not visible.
After getting his buddies attention by grabbing the fins, the OOA diver moved a hand to touch his neck seal. After a delay he touched his second stage regulator.
All movements were extremely slow and as a result the buddy thought the diver was just cold, plus maybe re-seating the second stage in his mouth.
He clearly did not understand and made that very clear.
While the communication between the two divers was going on (and failing), the diver ran out of gas.
Losing his buoyancy and being above his buddy made further touch- and visual contact impossible.
The only resolution at this point was an emergency surface ascent.
Luckily he remembered his training and controlled his ascent as best as possible constantly exhaling from his lungs. He remained unhurt.
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6 сен 2024
