Ya guys I should have updated you sooner. The diver did recover quickly. His arm was lacerated pretty good, but otherwise turned out to be ok. Believe it or not, but I found this out because he turned up at the bar across the channel from the accident that very evening with his arm bandaged of course. It appeared as he was in good spirits as he had the presence of a rock star, showcasing his war wound.
I didn't go out and measure the exact distance, but he definitely was 450-500' down current from his flag.
it seems to me from this thread, and the LITTLE information available to the public, the following:
1) he was struck by a boat
2) he was diving from a boat with a proper flag
3) he ascended 400+ ft from his boat
What we don't know:
1) why did he ascend so far from his boat
2) was he diving alone, not that that would have helped in this situation
3) what kind of underwear he was wearing the day he got hit
Hope this summarizes this thread up for everyone.