Powered by GoogleTranslate

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA

Contact Us FAQ A to Z Index English Español

Return to Accident Search Results

Accident Report Detail

Accident: 170032098 - Diver Trainee Drowns In Rough Water While Scuba Diving

Accident: 170032098 -- Report ID: 0111100 -- Event Date: 12/19/1992
InspectionOpen DateSICEstablishment Name
10979978301/07/19937389Kevin G. Whitney
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on December 19, 1992, Employee #1, although virtually untrained, was performing a commercial dive for sea urchins in approximately 40 ft of water in the open sea. Water conditions that day were rough, and visibility was poor. While wearing a full complement of SCUBA diving equipment, including a dry suit, Employee #1 apparently became separated from his diving partner/trainer and surfaced. Employee #1 called to the boat operator, then slipped beneath the water before the operator could reach him. Employee #1 was recovered about 2 1/2 hours later and had apparently drowned after suffering an embolism. No problems existed with the equipment; ample air was in his tank. Injuries documented were consistent with the injuries sustained by someone who holds his/her breath while ascending to the water's surface. Lack of adequate training played a major role in this fatality.
Keywords: embolism, scuba, work rules, drown, untrained, diver, commercial diving, poor visibility, water
Employee # Inspection Age Sex Degree Nature Occupation
1 109799783 Fatality Other Occupation not reported

Thank You for Visiting Our Website

You are exiting the Department of Labor's Web server.

The Department of Labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The Department of Labor also cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Thank you for visiting our site. Please click the button below to continue.

Close