Commercial diver dead at Galveston TX

[DandyDon]

U.S. Coast Guard investigates diving fatality

GALVESTON — The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the death of a diver, who was found unresponsive after cleaning a ship’s hull, authorities said Monday.

Matt Smock, 30, of Houston, was working offshore from a service boat when he was found unresponsive early Saturday afternoon. Crews performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on him until the boat docked at Pier 9 in Galveston.

Galveston firefighters took over the lifesaving maneuver and an ambulance took Smock to the University of Texas Medical Branch.

The incident stemmed from what was believed to be a mechanical malfunction with diving equipment, a fire official said.

Smock was pronounced dead at 1:37 p.m., John Florence, a spokesman with the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office, said.

“He was diving about 10 miles out from the jetties in an area where ships anchor,” Florence said. “He was cleaning the hull of a ship with a scrubbing machine.”

The office was expected to perform an autopsy today, Florence said.

The Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Unit in Texas City is investigating the death, which appears accidental, Petty Officer Richard Brahm said.

Smock was working on the King Arthur, a commercial diving vessel, Brahm said.

 

[klong]

Matt was my ex son-in-law and the father of my wonderful 9 year old granddaughter. As a long time diver as well, if anyone has more specifics on the accident I would appreciate hearing them. Thank you.