Boat lost divers -- recovered

[billt4sf]

Today in Statia we set out, moored at the dive site, and saw the that there was a strong wind and surface current. The plan was to grab the line when we jumped in, pull ourselves and descend using the mooring line. My reg was breathing wet and I figured out later that this can be due to having head down while I was straining to get to the line. We descended to the wreck at 70 ft, there was still a lot of current so we looked around a bit then ascended using the lines and got back on the boat.

At the that point I saw one of the instructors keeping eyes on two people drifting. They were signalling OK but drifted for another 20 mins while everyone got back on the boat. We picked them up, they were exhausted because they were trying to stay close to the boat. They previously had an SMB but had lost it.

After the dive, Emily and I went to the pool and practiced launching an SMB at the surface. The drifters took it in stride, they were not critical of anything, at least not to us.

I was surprised that they didn't use a constant banging to recall all divers, but they said they don't do so because it happens so seldom.

Bill

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Most boats are not going to ruin everyone's dive just because two people screwed up and floated away. As long as they gave the OK sign, it is better to let them drift. How long of a line was off the back of the boat (with a float attached of course)?

 

[beanojones]

At the that point I saw one of the instructors keeping eyes on two people drifting. They were signalling OK but drifted for another 20 mins while everyone got back on the boat. We picked them up, they were exhausted because they were trying to stay close to the boat.

As instructors, we do spend some time telling people not to try and fight surface currents for just this reason. Even a fairly slight current can run faster than any diver can swim even if not loaded with gear, and tired after the dive.

DiveAlerts, mirrors, Jumbo SMBs, even that VHF radio is worth thinking about when boat diving. Because the captain has lots of things to worry about, and divers OK at the surface are divers OK at the surface.

My max wait for pickup at the surface with customers- about 35 minutes. My max wait when doing a drift hang- about an hour.

 

[billt4sf]

My max wait for pickup at the surface with customers- about 35 minutes. My max wait when doing a drift hang- about an hour.

Wow. I am glad I asked! DiveAlert, here we come.

 

[Peter_C]

Wow. I am glad I asked! DiveAlert, here we come.

Well since you didn't ask...if you want a Dive-Alert great I carry one on every dive. It is clipped off in my pocket on a bolt snap. I also carry a regular Storm Whistle cause if I am OOA or ditch my gear it still works, since I just put it in my mouth and blow! I also carry a signal mirror, a smaller DSMB, and of course a Nautilus Lifeline (Especially since I often dive off an unattended boat in remote areas).

Please do not get an underwater quacker unit. Also do not leave it attached to your BC as it will just get in the way. You can easily connect it at the surface "if" it is ever needed.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Oh BTW, the title should read: Divers lost boat, not vice versa...

 

[Rhodesaz]

My wife and I are recreational divers only. While we do go to Mexico (Cozumel mostly) several times a year, neither one of us carry a VFH radio. However, both of us carry 6' SMB's, a small DAN beacon, a retractable flashlight, a whistle and an 16" metal "muck stick".

Bless her heart; once a rogue wave pushed me away from the boat right after she had got into the boat first. She stood there on fantail and watched me with an "eagle eye" as the current swept me away from the boat. The captain picked up everybody else and then came for me. All I did was inflate my BCD really good and relax. Nothing to worry about.

 

[billt4sf]

My wife and I are recreational divers only. While we do go to Mexico (Cozumel mostly) several times a year, neither one of us carry a VFH radio. However, both of us carry 6' SMB's, a small DAN beacon, a retractable flashlight, a whistle and an 16" metal "muck stick".

Bless her heart; once a rogue wave pushed me away from the boat right after she had got into the boat first. She stood there on fantail and watched me with an "eagle eye" as the current swept me away from the boat. The captain picked up everybody else and then came for me. All I did was inflate my BCD really good and relax. Nothing to worry about.

The people who were drifting did carry a whistle and blew it but no one ever heard it.

Say what you will about how it was their own fault but all they did was fail to catch a line after jumping in. Note to self: observe current carefully before jumping in.

Bill

 

[bowlofpetunias]

Probably the most important message is to accept that these things happen. Make sure your training and equipment are appropriate to cope. If you lack the confidence to manage a delayed pickup.. that is when panic sets in and the tragedies happen!

We hear so often that it is our responsibility to make sure we don't take anything on that you are not ready for. That is the absolutely the best advice a diver can follow. A diver should never put themselves into a situation that has a high risk of resulting in a situation they are not competent to handle.

Keep safe.. and keep blowing bubbles.

 

[lionfish-eater]

Here is a short video of what you would have experienced if the current didnt blow out the dive.