Cayman Brac diver missing

[DandyDon]

Breaking News: Search on for missing Brac diver

The search continues for a missing Cayman Brac resident who disappeared while diving yesterday (18 May.)

The missing man is identified as Linvol Smith, age 54 of Cayman Brac. He was last seen about midday at his home yesterday when he was talking of going to the bay to dive.

According to an RCIPS statement issued late this evening officers on Cayman Brac received a report that Mr. Smith was missing he did not show up to work today.

They say left to go diving driving a front-end loader with his dive gear. Police searched the vicinity of Scotts Dock after the report was filed this morning, and found some dive clothing where it is suspected that Mr. Smith went into the water. Mr. Smith’s colleagues had found the front-end loader he was driving not far away.

A search for Mr. Smith has been conducted throughout the day by police and fire officers, DOE, a Customs Officer and several private citizens.

This search was conducted both on land and water, and included the area from Carib Sands on the south side of Cayman Brac to Scotts Dock. Fire officers and others also dove in the area to assist with the search. The search concluded at 4:30 p.m. and is due to begin tomorrow.

“This search has been a community effort,” said Inspector Tahal, Area Commander for the Sister Islands. “We will continue these efforts tomorrow and continue to hope that Mr. Smith is found in good health.”

Police say the water-based search will begin again tomorrow at 5:30 a.m, and the land-based search will begin at 7 a.m.

Mr. Smith is described to be about 5’6”, 150 lbs., with gray hair. He frequently wears a hat.

Anyone with any information regarding Mr. Smith’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Cayman Brac Police Station immediately at 948-0331.

 

[KathyV]

That's really bad news, I hope they find him or at least figure out what happened.

There are a lot of reservations about solo diving in the Caymans, but as documented in the link below, when you single dive in Cayman you are supposed to be solo-certified and carry a pony bottle.

Shore diving has recently started to become more common around Brac, and the dive ops that rent the tanks and weights to shore divers may also loan them a dive flag float and ask that it be secured at their dive site - to warn boaters that there are divers in the water.

It would be interesting to learn if the missing diver used any of these safety precautions.

Shore diving on Cayman Brac?

 

[vincent54]

From the article, he may not have gone diving. It is unclear whether he actually entered the water. Therefore, it may not be a dive accident at all.

 

[KathyV]

From the article, he may not have gone diving. It is unclear whether he actually entered the water. Therefore, it may not be a dive accident at all.

The article says that he disappeared while diving, they must have a reason for thinking that, maybe his gear is also missing?

 

[Bob DBF]

rticle says that he disappeared while diving, they must have a reason for thinking that, maybe his gear is also missing?

A supposition on the part of the author, the authorities are doing a land an sea search as asking if anyone knows of his whereabouts. He said he was going to dive, but no one actually saw him go diving.


Bob

 

[KathyV]

Here's more about the missing man, apparently he was snorkeling or swimming:

Update: Police conclude underwater search for Brac man | Cayman Compass