Thanks for the insight everyone. Crazy stuff... I get the draw of finding Meg teeth, that would be quite a thrill, but this sounds too much like work to me. I'll stick to drift diving in the clear, warm, salty stuff.
As for the accident, it seems like there are more than enough possible contributing factors here. An over-weighted diver working hard on the bottom, against a current--making it likely "an average diver" would be burning through gas much faster than "their usual." Terrible vis making it harder to keep track of current gas supply (no "casual glancing at your gauges"). The potential for debris causing issues, especially if there had been a recent rain (I think that was mentioned earlier). Plus let's note that the diver's age (48) is right around the time that many men find out they are getting older the hard way, either through having cardiac issues, or doing something that makes them feel like they are having cardiac issues. (I'm of this age, so I'm allowed to make this observation!)
Maybe these things don't apply to this diver. The Cooper River might have been "his normal dive." He might have been super-fit, ready for the conditions, and well-practiced in staying alive in these conditions.
Hopefully we eventually hear from a dive-buddy or someone who can shed more light on the incident.
Until then, my condolences to his friends and family, and may he blow bubbles in eternal peace.
As for the accident, it seems like there are more than enough possible contributing factors here. An over-weighted diver working hard on the bottom, against a current--making it likely "an average diver" would be burning through gas much faster than "their usual." Terrible vis making it harder to keep track of current gas supply (no "casual glancing at your gauges"). The potential for debris causing issues, especially if there had been a recent rain (I think that was mentioned earlier). Plus let's note that the diver's age (48) is right around the time that many men find out they are getting older the hard way, either through having cardiac issues, or doing something that makes them feel like they are having cardiac issues. (I'm of this age, so I'm allowed to make this observation!)
Maybe these things don't apply to this diver. The Cooper River might have been "his normal dive." He might have been super-fit, ready for the conditions, and well-practiced in staying alive in these conditions.
Hopefully we eventually hear from a dive-buddy or someone who can shed more light on the incident.
Until then, my condolences to his friends and family, and may he blow bubbles in eternal peace.
- sharks don't phase me, but gators are not something I am used to.
