Vortex 3-18-2012

[Grace67]

Thank you for the caring words, and for warning me... I did also have someone in chat do so as well, so I do understand what this particular area of the forum is for. I know I am not supposed to name names until it is released? However his family has it all over their FB pages, others have called, etc. Pretty much everyone who would need to be notified already has been. I guess I can at least tell you his first name was Larry and he was from Biloxi, MS.

It hurts me but my sister was actually a lot closer to him than I was, so I will be ok with whatever posts here. Please don't let that I am here stop any of you from disecting the situation- I understand the need to do that for your own safety. I, personally, have my own angst here. Not being a diver (I love to snorkle but that's it) I don't understand the draw of something like caves with the added dangers they pose. I have read it is safer now than it has ever been, but still scary to me. The entire idea has always been very frightening and to be honest (again from a non-diver point of view) it can make a person angry about the whole thing.

Question.... I have scoured news sites from the area, google, news sites here... there is not a blip out there about it. This board was the first place I even read a reference to it (and got that from google). I know from what ya'll have said in other posts that the news is going to get a lot of it wrong, but really, not a word yet? Any ideas why?

Praying too for the possible one at Gennie... and the dive teams

 

[Jax]

No Joe, diver at Ginnie was OW, diver at Vortex had at least some level of cave training, but I don't know if he had full cave. Both bodies have been recovered.

Thank you, James. Glad to know they are out safely.

 

[Jax]

Thank you for the caring words, and for warning me... I did also have someone in chat do so as well, so I do understand what this particular area of the forum is for. I know I am not supposed to name names until it is released? However his family has it all over their FB pages, others have called, etc. Pretty much everyone who would need to be notified already has been. I guess I can at least tell you his first name was Larry and he was from Biloxi, MS.

It hurts me but my sister was actually a lot closer to him than I was, so I will be ok with whatever posts here. Please don't let that I am here stop any of you from disecting the situation- I understand the need to do that for your own safety. I, personally, have my own angst here. Not being a diver (I love to snorkle but that's it) I don't understand the draw of something like caves with the added dangers they pose. I have read it is safer now than it has ever been, but still scary to me. The entire idea has always been very frightening and to be honest (again from a non-diver point of view) it can make a person angry about the whole thing.

Question.... I have scoured news sites from the area, google, news sites here... there is not a blip out there about it. This board was the first place I even read a reference to it (and got that from google). I know from what ya'll have said in other posts that the news is going to get a lot of it wrong, but really, not a word yet? Any ideas why?

Praying too for the possible one at Gennie... and the dive teams

Thank you, Grace. I am so sorry.

 

[Jax]

Thank you for the caring words, and for warning me... I did also have someone in chat do so as well, so I do understand what this particular area of the forum is for. I know I am not supposed to name names until it is released? However his family has it all over their FB pages, others have called, etc. Pretty much everyone who would need to be notified already has been. I guess I can at least tell you his first name was Larry and he was from Biloxi, MS.

It hurts me but my sister was actually a lot closer to him than I was, so I will be ok with whatever posts here. Please don't let that I am here stop any of you from disecting the situation- I understand the need to do that for your own safety. I, personally, have my own angst here. Not being a diver (I love to snorkle but that's it) I don't understand the draw of something like caves with the added dangers they pose. I have read it is safer now than it has ever been, but still scary to me. The entire idea has always been very frightening and to be honest (again from a non-diver point of view) it can make a person angry about the whole thing.

Question.... I have scoured news sites from the area, google, news sites here... there is not a blip out there about it. This board was the first place I even read a reference to it (and got that from google). I know from what ya'll have said in other posts that the news is going to get a lot of it wrong, but really, not a word yet? Any ideas why?

Praying too for the possible one at Gennie... and the dive teams

Grace, I'm sorry, I missed your question.

First, the news gets their info generally from a local source that posts it on the Associated Press (AP).

A local reporter would have heard the news on the scanner. He would go to (wherever) and ask questions and try to get . . . well, something of the truth. More likely than not, it is sensationalized to sell. Initially though, there will be few facts to post.

So, since it happened today, it won't hit the news until tomorrow. The reporter will continue to dig and to find out anything else about Larry. Then the follow-up will come.

Afterwards, it tends to die off. Usually, we don't get much other explanation. If the cause of death is not immediately known (like empty tanks, entanglement, etc.), we (the diving community) may not be left with any lessons to learn.

 

[KY_BOB]

It doesn't discourage me from diving when I read these threads but it does make my heart go out to all of those involved from the victim, their family, and the recovery divers. It's a life changing experience for all involved. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

 

[Jax]

It hurts me but my sister was actually a lot closer to him than I was, so I will be ok with whatever posts here. Please don't let that I am here stop any of you from disecting the situation- I understand the need to do that for your own safety. I, personally, have my own angst here. Not being a diver (I love to snorkle but that's it) I don't understand the draw of something like caves with the added dangers they pose. I have read it is safer now than it has ever been, but still scary to me. The entire idea has always been very frightening and to be honest (again from a non-diver point of view) it can make a person angry about the whole thing.

There are many things that attract a diver to the caves. To boldly go where few have gone. To successfully complete the highest level of training available. To silently drift in God's silent world, seeing a waterscape seen by very few others. To challenge and explore places where none other have gone.

Think of those that drive fast, that do stunts on bicycles and motorcycles, do motocross . . . skiing the black slopes, jumping the big jumps, doing X-games . . . there is risk, but to a properly trained and highly tuned athlete, the risk is acceptable. For the trained diver, it isn't risky . . . just the failure to do the right things, to dive conservatively. Like wreck divers stretch the envelope just that wee bit more, to get that one slightly out-of-reach souvenir, such a risk carries extraordinary risk. Our explorers know and accept that risk. Others of us are content to dive conservatively, to not push the envelope. It is the decision of the diver.

 

[Grace67]

It happened yesterday, I am just guessing at least in the afternoon because they waited until today to do recovery.
And just not a word. If his brother had not posted it (FB) I would still not believe it.

 

[JamesK]

Grace,

Sometimes these things just do not get out. I am very shocked it has not got out yet though. Especially being Vortex.

 

[Jax]

It happened yesterday, I am just guessing at least in the afternoon because they waited until today to do recovery.
And just not a word. If his brother had not posted it (FB) I would still not believe it.

The police still have to enter their report formally. It is not unusual for news to not hit for 24 or more hours.

 

[Jax]

Understand that both recovers have gone safely and are completed. Thank you, Lord.