Deaths at Eagles Nest - Homosassa FL

[hyperbaric_1]

That's rather odd, i did check all these agencies against Darrin Spivey , Date of Birth: 01/23/1978 and no records found whatsoever, i checked these:
PADI https://www.padi.com/scuba/applications/studentRCOL/SearchRecord.aspx?languageID=5#
NAUI NAUI Diver Lookup
SSI https://www.divessi.com/online_diver_check
SDI Cert Search | SDI | TDI | ERDI

I have 1500 dives now, so he had 1505?

I have certifications with 3 of those agencies spanning 16 years. Just searched myself and only 1 returned a record for me.

Not that I am interested in defending this guy in anyway...

 

[gianaameri]

"If I see a large group of divers clearly unequipped/unprepared to enter an inland cave I normally dive, I'd ask if they are cave trained (although it is obvious they are not), and if they say NO, I'd ask if they have the permission of the land owner to access the cave, and if they say NO, I'd ask them if they have a permit/license from the authorities (some caves require it), and if they say NO, I'd tell them that they cannot lawfully dive the cave, and if they proceed with their intentions I call 112 (the U.S. 911 equivalent) because they are clearly a public danger (a danger to themselves and others) and the police has a duty to intervene."

I can see the reasoning here, in the context of the greater situation, mainly if you are concerned these people may interfere with lines other people are running into the cave, jeopardizing others besides themselves.

But many people wouldn't get involved, and there are reasons why that is.

1.) Many people have enough issues of their own without looking for other peoples' troubles to get into.

2.) Taking it upon yourself to interrogate strangers when you are just Joe-blow average citizen with no police powers can be awkward.

3.) There's a very real chance you're going to seriously annoy someone. If any of these people know you, they could make trouble for you. Your dog turns up dead when you're not around, etc... I think of the stories we hear about horrendous neighbors making others lives miserable as an example of how starting trouble with people can come back to bite you.

4.) Even if you somehow manage to ask intrusive personal questions to total strangers on the spot in a remote location where they may outnumber you, for example, why would they choose to answer you? It seems likely they'd lie - sure we've got landowner permission! If you somehow intimidate them into leaving they may well be back shortly when you're not there.

Richard.

If I am diving the cave, they are a massive risk to me (and my priority is getting home to the kids).

Good enough reason to enquire politely (and possibly call the dive/diving).

Now, if they become aggressive then one more reason to call the police without hesitation, especially because the area is isolated and I am "solo."

That may be the best and only way to defuse a situation which will otherwise definitely need the police and medics.

The caves I dive generally have lock and gate (in the dry section!!!!) and if they are not the key-holder and I am the authorised key-holder by the land-owner (and my name is on the license from the local authority), I sort have to ask the questions anyway and politely tell them what the procedures are to be followed to dive the cave (there is signs saying the cave access is restricted).

You do have a point though, but if you fear being in an isolated area with strangers showing up (and there is all types which show up, not just would be cavers), then don't go caving. If one fears the isolation and the unknown and people and stuff (imaginary or real), then maybe cave diving is not the right hobby!

If there is a system and procedure in place, generally people will follow it (if it make sense and enhances safety for everybody).

 

[grey2112]

It seems kind of interesting that when faced with a sport/hobby that required MONEY for equipment and training, there are those who, when they discover they can't afford it, charge ahead anyways, skimping on things, because they are somehow convinced that they DESERVE to be able to do this, even though they can't afford to do it properly and safely. Food stamps, housing assistance, Medicaid, etc. have given people an unrealistic expectation that they should be able to have the same sort of opportunities and recreations as those who actually work for a living. Unfortunately, this sort of thinking leads to tragedies.

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

It seems kind of interesting that when faced with a sport/hobby that required MONEY for equipment and training, there are those who, when they discover they can't afford it, charge ahead anyways, skimping on things, because they are somehow convinced that they DESERVE to be able to do this, even though they can't afford to do it properly and safely. Food stamps, housing assistance, Medicaid, etc. have given people an unrealistic expectation that they should be able to have the same sort of opportunities and recreations as those who actually work for a living. Unfortunately, this sort of thinking leads to tragedies.

But sports in general and Diving should not be a rich man's sport. Anyone should have access to follow their passions without regard to $$$. That said OW diving is enough for me - I have no desire to go caving. But I support someone that wants to do it and is trying to save money.
So if you chose to deliberately short cut either equipment or training - that decision should be upon you and this BIG NANNY STATE we are trying to build to save someone from their own deliberate acts seems silly to me. I have 4 kids that I try to teach every day. Is it now on me to teach everyone that enters the water?

If I see someone wearing a boat anchor as a weight belt - I may comment to them but I am not standing in the way of their actions.

 

[grey2112]

But sports in general and Diving should not be a rich man's sport. Anyone should have access to follow their passions without regard to $$$. That said OW diving is enough for me - I have no desire to go caving. But I support someone that wants to do it and is trying to save money.
So if you chose to deliberately short cut either equipment or training - that decision should be upon you and this BIG NANNY STATE we are trying to build to save someone from their own deliberate acts seems silly to me. I have 4 kids that I try to teach every day. Is it now on me to teach everyone that enters the water?

If I see someone wearing a boat anchor as a weight belt - I may comment to them but I am not standing in the way of their actions.

Let's face it - not everyone can engage in yacht racing. This means that only those of proper means can do it. If someone shows up to the yacht race with a boat improperly rigged and held together with duct tape and bailing wire, then they wouldn't be allowed to enter the competition. The problem now in this country is that there are those who scream and gnash their teeth that "the rich" are keeping them from engaging in their dreams and are racist, classicist, etc. But then when those same people end up dying as a result of their egregious incompetence there will be a hue and cry that the "evil rich" somehow conspired to cause this tragedy.

You can't win against stupid.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

But sports in general and Diving should not be a rich man's sport. Anyone should have access to follow their passions without regard to $$$.

I nominate this as the Most Ridiculous Statement of the Week.

I like fast cars. I drive a modified corvette. Sure would be nice if I could race a Lambo Aventador or a Pagani Zonda, but I couldn't possibly afford either. Feeling the way you do, can I assume you'll be buying me one? I'll settle for one, not both. Just let me know when to expect delivery. Thanks.
Of course, if the delivery is too much for you, I'll be happy to come pick it up.
Thanks again.

 

[lv2dive]

Stated and answered... DAYS AGO! I will try and find my post in this thread, but the point is, there is absolutely no evidence anyone knew there was an uncertified 15 year-old behind the cave atlas posts. See http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ac...s-eagles-nest-homosassa-fl-9.html#post6988226

Where is that dead horse icon??????

Dillon: "Great dive, no specs in the way. Way better than a few weeks ago and seen a lil bass fish at 120'. Hit 186' max , was able to see line pretty good. Worth the 30min drive for sure, AWESOME DAY,!!"

Scary, and people (trained cave divers and pros) knew he was doing this and posting it as well in Cave forums/websites - and only after he dies make all the fuzz and noise on the internet.

 

[RJP]

But sports in general and Diving should not be a rich man's sport. Anyone should have access to follow their passions without regard to $$$.

What planet are you from?

:d

Suppose my passion is sailing a 400ft yacht while using a platinum fork to eat bald eagle steaks grilled over moon rocks?

 

[mdwypro]

I am also from chi twn Doing tmix training with an instructor 12/08/2013 at Eagles Nest, I learned even before you enter the downstream or upstream tunnel, the big room starts at about 110 feet. The space is intimidating. I ran a jump line from the gold line at 160ft deep. Holding at 160ft I ran my spool out 100ft to the wall. I was not being very careful with the spool, until I turned around and tried to see the gold line and the surface opening. When I realized the lifeline I had was the spool in hand, I made sure it was secure. The room is huge and deep. You can drop down to 200 feet or up to 110 feet and 1000 feet around and still not be at the exit to the surface. My cave lite only lit up a small spot and the darkness absorbed all the lite. It would be very easy to get lost. The odds are if you’re untrained you are going to die. Even being a trained cave diver, Eagles Nest is different. Even cave divers should start with a guide or minimum someone with a lot of experience at EN before you dive there.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

But sports in general and Diving should not be a rich man's sport. Anyone should have access to follow their passions without regard to $$$.

Yeah, well ... back when I was into sailboat racing I really wanted to compete in the America's Cup ... but since I couldn't afford it I settled for sailing a smaller boat in our local regatta. I guess I should have been able to follow my passion without regard for $$$.

That's gotta be the dumbest logic I've heard on this thread so far.

Nobody is "owed" a right to follow a passion that's beyond their means.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)