We posted dive details for the Oriskany just minutes ago. Immediately after hitting "Save," I found this sad and confusing story about an unnamed man who dived the Mighty O this weekend, surfaced, and then died of "unknown causes."
Details are sketchy, and there are conflicting reports of what happened. The U.S. Coast Guard claims they were summoned to the scene for a "diving related" incident. However, Stan Kirkland, regional spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said the diver was back in the boat after the dive when he became ill. In other words, the FWC believes he did not suffer a diving accident, although "he may have had a heart attack." Information will emerge as the medical examiner releases his or her report and as the various agencies involved in investigating the incident decide who's responsible for reporting Mighty O news.
[Via Scuba Friends]
UPDATE: 55-year-old "Chet" Robinson, a diver for more than 40 years, suffered from heart problems; his doctor had advised him not to dive. Yesterday, both his wife and a medical official declared that Robinson's death was not dive-related. Rather, according to the official, "He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He probably shouldn't have been diving."
1. I made 4 dives on this ship last May. Let me just say this. If a diver dives the dive within the limits of their training they will be fine. The flight deck is at 139 feet if you lay your computer on the deck.
As for diving Eanx it is very safe here again if you dive within your training. For example 27% at 1.4 Po2 is a perfect mix to dive to the flight deck but no farther, again use the formulas and stay with your own limits and stupid stuff usually won't happen.
Posted at 8:42AM on Aug 31st 2008 by Chuck