Diver lost 15 Jan 2013 Cozumel

[Christi]

A buddy of mine who is still on site (same resort) read the Google translation of this article. I mentioned I was skeptical about the last paragraph and she tells me that Dive Paradise had many boat dives out there searching for her, until the navy took over.

This is all terribly sad and unfortunate.

Yes, I knew that they did - as were many other boats from other operations!

 

[Ocean9545]

I have been with Dive Paradise every year since 1999. I leaned strongly toward doubting the accounts that "they did nothing to help". My experience would tell me the opposite......I believe they did everything with they could. Accidents do happen and always sad when it results in death but, I would rather learn from this forum and all of these posts instead of attempting to place blame through speculation

 

[vondo]

It seems like anytime someone is lost here, and it does happen in this busiest dive location in the world, one of the first things this board jumps on is the terrifying "downcurrents". They do happen but in my 20 years here I know of NO one who was lost because of a downcurrent. Downcurrents can happen and they are easy to deal with, or even ignore...they are never going to push anyone to crazy depths. Should they be respected, yes, but any decent dive briefing should explore the possibilities and ways to deal with them.

Dave, I dove with Aldora for four days in November and I don't think downcurrents were mentioned in any dive briefing.

 

[sidne]

sidne, sound like the norm for a boat of that size. I have been on similar boats and typically that amount of people will be separated into two groups for the actual dive.

This is what I would have assumed, but my experience in Cozumel (and with diving in general) is rather limited. I felt comfortable diving in Cozumel (with a different operator) with groups which ranged up to 8 divers plus divemaster.

I did think the information regarding the size of the Calypso might be of interest to some of those coming to SB for additional insight into this tragedy who have even less experience in Cozumel than I do, so I posted it.

 

[vondo]

Did I ever mention that I "panicked"? No. I specified that I was able to circumvent panic by memorizing skills I learned. "Terrified"? YES. While one response may evoke the other, they are NOT mutually exclusive of each other. I will never feel casual or blase about getting separated from my dive group and buddy, especially where currents are strong. I believe that with the exception of this recent tragedy, most accidents involve experienced divers who are cavalier about their skills and experience which can trump vigilance and respect for the buddy system.

I for one appreciate your honesty. Not being able to openly relate experiences where we were less than comfortable doesn't help anyone. Berating people for their perceived lack of skill is equally unhelpful.

 

[mala]

This is what I would have assumed, but my experience in Cozumel (and with diving in general) is rather limited. I felt comfortable diving in Cozumel (with a different operator) with groups which ranged up to 8 divers plus divemaster.

I did think the information regarding the size of the Calypso might be of interest to some of those coming to SB for additional insight into this tragedy who have even less experience in Cozumel than I do, so I posted it.

i think the size of the boat and downcurrents are well down the list on possible causes for this terrible loss of life.



poor training/lack of experience
poor or non existant buddy skills on all concerned
poor dive briefing or poor supervision/control of guide.

one or a combination of the above are more likely.

 

[cruiser]

Here's a link to the article in the London Daily Mail.

Search under way for Utah woman missing in Mexico after dream first-time scuba diving trip goes wrong | Mail Online

 

[Christi]

Do you have an update?
TN

Her body was found today

 

[dumpsterDiver]

They found her on the bottom after a day or so? Was it really her first scuba dive? She must have gotten far away from the group for her to be lost for so long?

 

[Christi]

They found her on the bottom after a day or so? Was it really her first scuba dive? She must have gotten far away from the group for her to be lost for so long?

She was found on the beach about 3 miles north of the dive site. She was newly certified - not sure if she certified here or was certified at home before coming to the island. This was her third or fourth day diving - first dive trip. That's really all I know. Very sad and tragic.