Diver lost - Isles of Scilly, England

[DandyDon]

Search for missing diver off Isles of Scilly

Emergency services are preparing to launch a recovery operation after a diver failed to resurface during a dive in the Isles of Scilly.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it received a report of a diver who was unconscious on the sea floor at about 0.75 nautical miles north east of Toll's Island, St Mary's, just after 09:00 BST on Wednesday.

James Instance, from Falmouth Coastguard, said the 55-year-old diver from Yorkshire had been at a depth of about 38m when his equipment malfunctioned.

Mr Instance said: “We got a lifeboat out, prepared other rescue resources to attend the incident [and] we put out a broadcast for assistance as well but unfortunately he didn’t surface."

Mr Instance said the coastguard had spoken to police and other authorities and would "begin the process of a recovery dive in the next day or so".

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was helping with the search for the missing man and divers have been sent to the scene as part of the investigation.

 

[DandyDon]

Updated story with more info...

Tourist in his 50s dies in diving tragedy off the Scilly Isles

The man, in his 50s, got into trouble with his equipment while diving 40 meters down off the main island of St Mary's, near Cornwall.

The body of the man, believed to be from Yorkshire, has not yet been recovered by emergency services.

Coastguard James Instance said: "He was seen sinking in the water and did not surface."

 

[DandyDon]

Rob Dalby: Body of missing diver found off Isles of Scilly

 

[Rkelleyj]

“Speaking last week, James Instance, from Falmouth Coastguard, said it was believed Mr Dalby's diving equipment had malfunctioned.”

How can we find out what happened exactly??

 

[InTheHighlands]

“Speaking last week, James Instance, from Falmouth Coastguard, said it was believed Mr Dalby's diving equipment had malfunctioned.”

How can we find out what happened exactly??

We probably can't until the inquest - and this could be quite a lot later. Typically months - but can be years if there are criminal proceedings relating to a death, as the inquest could prejudice the criminal trial.

I am NOT suggesting that this would be the case here.

 

[Hiszpan]

Very strange this one. Experienced diver, cave diver, scooter diver with over 1500 dives in total is not able to ascend on a recreational dive, presumably being conscious and helped by his dive buddy.

 

[Wibble]

No matter how experienced you are, you can't breathe water. Underwater is an exceedingly unforgiving environment. Whilst we train for most eventualities, most people are well under a minute from blind panic given a problem.