Catdivin
New
I was wondering if anyone had any details on the fatality that occurred at Casino Point on Catalina Island on March 5th 2011?
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Authorities Thursday were investigating the death of a man who drowned while taking a scuba-diving class at the Casino Dive Park off Catalina Island.
Michel Mendo Meva’a was in a “discovery scuba-type course” March 5 when he became unconscious, authorities said.
“During the dive, something occurred and he went toward the surface," said Det. David Carver of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. “He sank back down and was assisted back to the surface by the instructor and a civilian.”
Meva’a was taken to shore, treated by paramedics and taken by lifeguard boat to the University of California Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, an emergency medical facility for the treatment of scuba accidents, Carver said.
Meva’a was pronounced dead at the center, Carver said.
No other details were available, and the investigation was continuing, Carver said.
I found the mention of the deceased being assisted back to the surface by a "civilian" to be "interesting."
Authorities investigate death of scuba diver off Catalina
Please notice that I only quoted the online news and gave the source, and the news is infamous for not relaying accurate and complete stories. We hope that those who know more will share what can be beneficial to others here.FYI, every scuba fatality (and certainly in L.A. County) gets "investigated". This is nothing more than routine. Investigations are done, and reports filed, by (1) the L.A. County Coroner, (2) the L.A. County Sheriff's (who are quoted in the article), (3) sometimes the U.S. Coast Guard, (4) the certifying agency, and (5) the insurance company.
"Investigate" does not mean there's suspicion of foul play or criminal activity as the headline sort of implies.
Also, don't read too much into the reference to the civilian. (This was the girlfriend of the victim, also uncertified, who was on the Discover Scuba dive with him.) I know Dave Carver and this is just the way he talks. It's ESD-speak to indiciate the other person assisting in the rescue was not an instructor or lifeguard or any other sort of dive/rescue professional.
When those of us involved in these types of investigations talk amongst ourselves, we frequently use the term "civilian" to indicate it was someone who wasn't a professional-level responder.
- Ken
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Ken Kurtis
Owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
L.A. County Coroner Forensic Consultant for scuba fatalities