Diver missing Louisiana rigs...

[dumpsterDiver]

Very strange. FYI.. a large grouper would be much more likely to hold you on the surface rather than take you down. In fact, a large grouper could cause an accelerated ascent, if it is not released or punctured..

 

[dishonored]

If what is coming off as second hand info at this time turns to be true.
I would like to know the name of the charter service they were on.

Hoping April updates us with some good news soon. We said a prayer at dinner for them.

 

[briankinley2004]

Yes that is true but if he descended 20' to get below the current his air bladder could have decompressed enough I guess. Hard to speculate but I think there were enough boats looking that if he were alert and on the surface he would have been spotted. Two boats were ships with bridges that were probably 40' above the surface at a minimum. One was a commercial dive vessel with chambers on board if deco was an issue. One of the ships stated they had 6 crew on lookout. I think the search was much more advanced than you would find at a vacation type dive location. These boats were on scene before uscg

---------- Post added June 16th, 2013 at 10:49 PM ----------

As far as a charter I think this was a private dive. There are no charters that offer spear fishing oil rigs in our area that I am aware of, probably due to liability and the tough conditions we can get into. The boat name mentioned in the above articles is what was broadcast on VHF radio.

 

[dishonored]

Yea I couldn't even find a dive shop local for after my cert to rent from. I will be renting in BR or maybe on the way off of 310.

Not a very dive friendly spot right there or so it seems. (As far as shops go, the people are always great).

I hear the toughest thing about diving at our rigs compared to other spots is the visibility in these blocks is low.

When I get my cert done and everything I would love to meet some of you guys.

I'm gonna tone my comments back a bit, to keep the thread from losing track of its intended purpose.

 

[briankinley2004]

10-4. PM me when you get your card and such. I have a place in Fourchon so we are not far from your camp. Again prayers for all involved and hopefully there will be good news soon

 

[jeffromonty]

I just got back from an offshore tip out of grand isle with a reputable captain, i wish i was still there to help with the search. The capt i fish with will not take divers for personal reasons. i sure hope and pray for a quick recovery..

 

[Scubadude_LA]

I heard the radio chatter on the VHF with the Coast Guard but could not hear the other half of the conversation due to distance.
Sorry to hear this sad news.
Thanks to the search volunteers.
Hope and Prayers to family and friends.
This one hits close to home.

 

[briankinley2004]

The search is still on as of yesterday

The Lafourche Gazette

 

[captain]

I am pretty sure it was a private boat, dive charters to the rigs are pretty much non-existent.

 

[Pedro Burrito]

UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for overdue diver 55 miles off Grand Isle

[h=1]UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for overdue diver 55 miles off Grand Isle[/h] NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for an overdue diver 55 miles offshore Grand Isle, Monday.



Missing is Tim Raines, 56.



At approximately 10:30 a.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a relay on VHF-FM radio from the vessel Early Life Crisis reporting a diver who was overdue by 30 minutes.
Since the search commenced Saturday evening, the Coast Guard has searched a 5,680 square-mile area more than 82 hours with the following assets:
Seven MH-65 Dolphin helicopters and crews from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans;

Five HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft and crews from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala.;
A 45-foot Response Boat — Medium and crew from Coast Guard Station Grand Isle;
The Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon and crew;

The Coast Guard Cutter Pelican and crew.



"We coordinated and planned extensive search operations attempting to locate Mr. Raines; searching more than 5,680 miles over the course of three days. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate Mr. Raines despite our best efforts," said Lt. Josiah Starr, command duty officer at Sector New Orleans. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the his family."



The search is suspended pending further developments.