Death of cave diver at Mt Gambier, South Australia

[DandyDon]

Now it sounds more like a health problem.

Where did you get that idea? I didn't see any hint? Always possible, but why do you think that?

It was nice of the widow to convey these thots...

"Rob's diving buddy is a friend who has been through a terrible ordeal," Robyn McAlister said.

"Our hearts and thoughts go out to him at this very difficult time."

But why are the reports still conflicting? I guess the reliable sources may not be saying anything publicly yet?

Authorities are still trying to solve the riddle of what caused Dr McAlister's death. There are conflicting reports as to whether he died as a result of getting caught in the guide ropes and whether his friend tried to help free him.

Other divers are mystified why he did not cut the ropes to free himself if that is what happened.

And this is where I read buddy separation - too far away with low air left to help?

The co-diver was gradually surfacing to avoid the bends when he saw Dr McAlister at a great depth below him invert in an unnatural position, authorities said.

The friend apparently could not get down to help his mate due to air availability.

And then equipment concerns...?

But he was using new equipment he was not familiar with on the day he died. A funeral will be held this week after the SA Coroner releases the body.

And this...?

The friend was also a regular co-diver but others in the industry said he was not so experienced.

It's like a whole new puzzle..!

 

[gcbryan]

Well, trying to read things in the light of what would make the most sense two buddies are coming up from a dive and doing their stops. One has a heart attack, passes out and drops "in an unusual position" down below.

The buddy turns around, his buddy is not there and he sees him below.

The only thing that doesn't make sense is being low on air but it was mentioned that the Dr. was the one with the most experience. The buddy may well not have planned for sufficient reserves.

It all depends on the story. In one story, the buddy sees his buddy below and doesn't have enough air to go and help him. In another story the victim is tangled up and fighting with the buddy.

That's why with the most recent story it sounds like a health problem on ascent and the victim drops down out of range of the low on air buddy.

 

[Kern]

It sounds like the media is sourcing its info from SB style speculation.

 

[gcbryan]

SB isn't the media so I don't have a problem with what we do here. If we aren't supposed to speculate why start a thread? Just post an announcement and then close the thread if that's what's desired.

 

[Sas]

There is going to be an accident analysis and a Coroner's report. So speculation really is unnecessary as the story will come out (unlike many other accidents). There are factual errors in the news articles as well as exaggeration about the site. When it comes out perhaps this thread would be more useful.

 

[TSandM]

Sas, if the report comes out anywhere in Australia, will you bring it and post it here? This is an accident that hits very close to home for some of us.

 

[diver257a]

Sas, if the report comes out anywhere in Australia, will you bring it and post it here? This is an accident that hits very close to home for some of us.

TS&M,

When the CDAA publishes its report, it is likely that this will be available for all to read. If this is the case, one of us CDAA members will probably post the essentials of the report on this thread for all to see. As the SA coroner's findings are subject to national privacy legislation, it is unlikely that this will be made public.

 

[Sas]

Sas, if the report comes out anywhere in Australia, will you bring it and post it here? This is an accident that hits very close to home for some of us.

Sure. The CDAA has said they will do an accident analysis and inform members so it will be public. They have for the other deaths in Mt Gambier as well.

 

[bleeb]

Sure. The CDAA has said they will do an accident analysis and inform members so it will be public. They have for the other deaths in Mt Gambier as well.

Do you know the typical time scale for the CDAA and local Corner's reports?

 

[sydney-diver]

Do you know the typical time scale for the CDAA and local Corner's reports?

There's some info on the coronial process here Information, if they decide an inquest is required it will take some time.