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Diver Missing Race Rocks BC, Canada
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Seymour Fisch
Contributor
The news just broke that Timothy Chu's body has been recovered:
Seven weeks on, body of missing diver found near Race Rocks
Seven weeks on, body of missing diver found near Race Rocks
Yank
Registered
It's fortunate his body surfaced. Outside the rocks the current is fast and the bottom drops away deep. I'm glad his body was found. My condolences.
vancouverdiver
Contributor
Does anyone know if RCMP or CoastGuard did an underwater search in the immediate area shortly after the incident?
vancouverdiver
Contributor
Here is the statement from the Chu family. It is quite lengthy. A very unfortunate incident.
STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA
Family of missing diver responds to recovery of the body.
By the Family of Timothy Chu
September 11, 2015
Grateful for a Miracle
On August 23, exactly seven weeks since Timothy Chu was reported missing after a diving emergency at Race Rocks in Victoria, British Columbia, his body was discovered. It was carried by a current at around 1:00 pm and caught on a slim anchor rope where a lone recreational fisherman would find what at first appeared to be kelp, but turned out to be Timothy’s body. This turn of events strikes the family as miraculous.
At the time, the fisherman’s boat was anchored between just 300 to 400 yards east of the Race Rocks lighthouse. He stayed on rough waters for a couple of hours and endured minor damage to his boat in order to secure the body for police, who later arrived at the scene. We have awarded a symbolic gift to the fisherman in appreciation for his bravery and persistence in this successful recovery mission.
After Timothy was reported missing, our family and friends around the world prayed for a miracle, or any sign of Timothy's whereabouts. The waters at Race Rockscan run as fast as twelve feet per second. We vividly recall police and rescuers telling us that all information indicated he was most likely swept many miles into open waters in the vast strait. But that did not turn out to be the case.
We are so thankful for all the devoted professionals and volunteers involved in the search and rescue efforts. At the same time, this incident taught us that despite all our human efforts, God is ultimately in control. We deeply appreciate everyone who offered prayers for us. May this incident somehow strengthen the faith of us all.
Remembering Timothy
During his life, Timothy dedicated time beyond his profession as a Hansard Reporter and law student to the service of his community and country as a Special Constable in the London Metropolitan Police and Lance Corporal of the British Army. He looked out for others with the same care that so many looked out for him throughout the search efforts. He was driven by a deep sense of compassion and duty to his fellow man, evidence of his faith in God who imbues every life with significance.
Learning from Tragedy
As our family longs for closure and reflects upon the tragedy that has befallen us, we are compelled to raise some difficult, yet important questions. We recognise that while we by necessity are learning more about diving, we are far from being experts in the field. If others can be spared similar traumatic loss by society heeding the points that we are making, at least some measure of good can come about despite our loss. Raising these concerns and stimulating change in the diving industry would be a fitting legacy for Timothy.
Regarding the investigation, the Vancouver Island Region BC Coroners Service has indicated that they anticipate more information in the future related to the cause of death and results of the scuba gear examination by the Canadian Coast Guard. Timothy's weight belt was missing when his body was found. This may confirm earlier reports that he was last seen struggling with the inflation valve located on the dry suit chest area, the successful release of air through which should provide added flotation. Timothy’s apparent removal of the weight belt suggests a final effort to surface. The family hopes that both the Coroners Service and Canadian Coast Guard will continue their thorough investigation on why Timothy’s body was unable to surface for seven weeks and was not swept away by strong underwater currents.
Regarding the search, we are impressed by the expertise and efforts of the search and rescue operation. Perhaps the unexpected discovery of Timothy’s body close to the dive site though, will produce new insights that can benefit future operations.
During our visit to Victoria on August 5, we learned that a thorough underwater search was exceedingly difficult because the sea was so rough that even professionally trained rescue divers would be putting their lives at risk. The conditions were even worse during Timothy’s dive just after the peak of an ebb tide during a full moon. Given that Race Rocks is a unique ecological reserve with its own website providing local marine and climatic graphs and live video streaming, the prediction of dangerous currents (5.5 knots or 9.3 feet per second) at 11:00 am on July 5 was available to those familiar with the website. To prevent unnecessary risk, it seems the dive center could have postponed the trip.
A similar occurrence indicates that more lessons could be learnt from the previous incident. On June 6, just one month before Timothy’s fatal tragedy, another diver together with a divemaster went missing on a Race Rocks charter. They were found drifting some 2 kilometers away under an almost identical deadly current. We recommend that dive centers in the area schedule dives around this type of data and fairly predictable slack tide trends rather than advertized weekly Saturday and Sunday dive commitments. They should provide sufficient local information about the level of danger divers will likely face at an unfamiliar and historically dangerous dive site like Race Rocks.
Dive centers should also utilize diving guides who are well acquainted with this dangerous dive site. As a tourist, Timothy opted to pay for a guided dive with a divemaster knowing he needed an experienced guide for an unfamiliar environment. The dive center, however, arranged a volunteer divemaster who, although well qualified, had only dived at Race Rocks once several months prior. Although we trust the expertise of the divemaster and recognize his brave attempt in the subsequent underwater search effort, the business decision to send him out with Timothy however, put both in danger as we were told that he had to hang on to a kelp patch to survive the same fateful dive.
Regarding additional safety measures, critics on television news reports of our recommended use of dive watches with GPS locators and Surface Marker Buoys for divers, surmised that these devices would be of little use in saving lives. We retain though, that a diver stuck underwater could be quickly located and might even be rescued in time with these simple, inexpensive devices. The community could also save time, public funds, resources and reduce risk to rescuers in subsequent massive air and sea searches.
We are concerned, along with many folks in British Columbia’s diving community, that BC’s dive industry is considered self-regulated. In prescribing and maintaining what safety devices divers should carry, deciding when to hold or postpone a dive charter, determining when currents are dangerous for diving and judging an appropriate level of dive site familiarity when selecting divemasters, commercial dive operators are not subject to consistent standards by law. One can only rely on good operators, which we believe there are, to put necessary safety precautions in their business practices. We have heard from concerned friends in BC, and around the world, who support BC introducing enhanced legislation to regulate the dive industry.
Regarding access to relevant records, our family’s request to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) for Timothy’s previous diving records and the report filed by the only underwater witness to the incident has not been approved. We are bewildered and urgently appeal to PADI regarding this kind of practice. We look forward to some BC legislation so such international bodies will be more responsible and transparent.
For the sake of British Columbia divers’ families, we hope the Coroner’s Office will hold an inquest on the cause of Timothy’s death. Our intention is to promote constructive fact finding, rather than fault finding. We believe the findings and recommendations that may follow can shape legislation that will help prevent future tragedies and raise necessary safety concerns to the benefit of the public and diving community.
Comforted by God
Lastly, we would like to once again extend our utmost gratitude to all who have helped, in small and large ways. While we continue to mourn the passing of a dear son and brother, we find comfort in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). We believe this. And in a world full of tragedies, we pray that more will be strengthened by God’s mercy and grace, as witnessed in Timothy's miraculous recovery.
STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA
Family of missing diver responds to recovery of the body.
By the Family of Timothy Chu
September 11, 2015
Grateful for a Miracle
On August 23, exactly seven weeks since Timothy Chu was reported missing after a diving emergency at Race Rocks in Victoria, British Columbia, his body was discovered. It was carried by a current at around 1:00 pm and caught on a slim anchor rope where a lone recreational fisherman would find what at first appeared to be kelp, but turned out to be Timothy’s body. This turn of events strikes the family as miraculous.
At the time, the fisherman’s boat was anchored between just 300 to 400 yards east of the Race Rocks lighthouse. He stayed on rough waters for a couple of hours and endured minor damage to his boat in order to secure the body for police, who later arrived at the scene. We have awarded a symbolic gift to the fisherman in appreciation for his bravery and persistence in this successful recovery mission.
After Timothy was reported missing, our family and friends around the world prayed for a miracle, or any sign of Timothy's whereabouts. The waters at Race Rockscan run as fast as twelve feet per second. We vividly recall police and rescuers telling us that all information indicated he was most likely swept many miles into open waters in the vast strait. But that did not turn out to be the case.
We are so thankful for all the devoted professionals and volunteers involved in the search and rescue efforts. At the same time, this incident taught us that despite all our human efforts, God is ultimately in control. We deeply appreciate everyone who offered prayers for us. May this incident somehow strengthen the faith of us all.
Remembering Timothy
During his life, Timothy dedicated time beyond his profession as a Hansard Reporter and law student to the service of his community and country as a Special Constable in the London Metropolitan Police and Lance Corporal of the British Army. He looked out for others with the same care that so many looked out for him throughout the search efforts. He was driven by a deep sense of compassion and duty to his fellow man, evidence of his faith in God who imbues every life with significance.
Learning from Tragedy
As our family longs for closure and reflects upon the tragedy that has befallen us, we are compelled to raise some difficult, yet important questions. We recognise that while we by necessity are learning more about diving, we are far from being experts in the field. If others can be spared similar traumatic loss by society heeding the points that we are making, at least some measure of good can come about despite our loss. Raising these concerns and stimulating change in the diving industry would be a fitting legacy for Timothy.
Regarding the investigation, the Vancouver Island Region BC Coroners Service has indicated that they anticipate more information in the future related to the cause of death and results of the scuba gear examination by the Canadian Coast Guard. Timothy's weight belt was missing when his body was found. This may confirm earlier reports that he was last seen struggling with the inflation valve located on the dry suit chest area, the successful release of air through which should provide added flotation. Timothy’s apparent removal of the weight belt suggests a final effort to surface. The family hopes that both the Coroners Service and Canadian Coast Guard will continue their thorough investigation on why Timothy’s body was unable to surface for seven weeks and was not swept away by strong underwater currents.
Regarding the search, we are impressed by the expertise and efforts of the search and rescue operation. Perhaps the unexpected discovery of Timothy’s body close to the dive site though, will produce new insights that can benefit future operations.
During our visit to Victoria on August 5, we learned that a thorough underwater search was exceedingly difficult because the sea was so rough that even professionally trained rescue divers would be putting their lives at risk. The conditions were even worse during Timothy’s dive just after the peak of an ebb tide during a full moon. Given that Race Rocks is a unique ecological reserve with its own website providing local marine and climatic graphs and live video streaming, the prediction of dangerous currents (5.5 knots or 9.3 feet per second) at 11:00 am on July 5 was available to those familiar with the website. To prevent unnecessary risk, it seems the dive center could have postponed the trip.
A similar occurrence indicates that more lessons could be learnt from the previous incident. On June 6, just one month before Timothy’s fatal tragedy, another diver together with a divemaster went missing on a Race Rocks charter. They were found drifting some 2 kilometers away under an almost identical deadly current. We recommend that dive centers in the area schedule dives around this type of data and fairly predictable slack tide trends rather than advertized weekly Saturday and Sunday dive commitments. They should provide sufficient local information about the level of danger divers will likely face at an unfamiliar and historically dangerous dive site like Race Rocks.
Dive centers should also utilize diving guides who are well acquainted with this dangerous dive site. As a tourist, Timothy opted to pay for a guided dive with a divemaster knowing he needed an experienced guide for an unfamiliar environment. The dive center, however, arranged a volunteer divemaster who, although well qualified, had only dived at Race Rocks once several months prior. Although we trust the expertise of the divemaster and recognize his brave attempt in the subsequent underwater search effort, the business decision to send him out with Timothy however, put both in danger as we were told that he had to hang on to a kelp patch to survive the same fateful dive.
Regarding additional safety measures, critics on television news reports of our recommended use of dive watches with GPS locators and Surface Marker Buoys for divers, surmised that these devices would be of little use in saving lives. We retain though, that a diver stuck underwater could be quickly located and might even be rescued in time with these simple, inexpensive devices. The community could also save time, public funds, resources and reduce risk to rescuers in subsequent massive air and sea searches.
We are concerned, along with many folks in British Columbia’s diving community, that BC’s dive industry is considered self-regulated. In prescribing and maintaining what safety devices divers should carry, deciding when to hold or postpone a dive charter, determining when currents are dangerous for diving and judging an appropriate level of dive site familiarity when selecting divemasters, commercial dive operators are not subject to consistent standards by law. One can only rely on good operators, which we believe there are, to put necessary safety precautions in their business practices. We have heard from concerned friends in BC, and around the world, who support BC introducing enhanced legislation to regulate the dive industry.
Regarding access to relevant records, our family’s request to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) for Timothy’s previous diving records and the report filed by the only underwater witness to the incident has not been approved. We are bewildered and urgently appeal to PADI regarding this kind of practice. We look forward to some BC legislation so such international bodies will be more responsible and transparent.
For the sake of British Columbia divers’ families, we hope the Coroner’s Office will hold an inquest on the cause of Timothy’s death. Our intention is to promote constructive fact finding, rather than fault finding. We believe the findings and recommendations that may follow can shape legislation that will help prevent future tragedies and raise necessary safety concerns to the benefit of the public and diving community.
Comforted by God
Lastly, we would like to once again extend our utmost gratitude to all who have helped, in small and large ways. While we continue to mourn the passing of a dear son and brother, we find comfort in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). We believe this. And in a world full of tragedies, we pray that more will be strengthened by God’s mercy and grace, as witnessed in Timothy's miraculous recovery.
Very sorry for their loss, although I hope their desires to start legislating scuba diving do not come to fruition.
Well for starters I have yet to see a GPS device that works under water let alone an inexpensive one as described in the letter. There are several inaccuracies in the family statement. For one much of race rocks is sheltered from the current and unlike some more exposed sites there is no way the scuba police could regulate when to call a dive there or anywhere else.
It is very sad that this young fellow lost his life while diving but it very unlikely any amount of government regulation could have averted this tragedy.
Some times an accident is just an accident.
It is very sad that this young fellow lost his life while diving but it very unlikely any amount of government regulation could have averted this tragedy.
Some times an accident is just an accident.
Hi JohnnyC,
From the family statement, the family is not hoping for some legislation for scuba divers but legislation for diving operators. It sounds reasonable as within a month, the same dive center was responsible for causing two massive air and sea search and rescues for divers on its charter dives to Race Rocks. Though the June pair was found a mile or two away, such incident is costly not just to human life and the family, but to tax payers paying for the tens and thousands of $ per search. Based on Race Rocks website, the currents at Race Rocks on June 6 at 1pm and July 5th at 11am, being the approximate time when two troubled teams of divers entered water, were both tearing away at 5.5 knots. At that speed, even drift diving will be like riding an elevator with the door open! As there are plenty of tourists interested in trying out Race Rocks, the dive center should have timed the dives to match the slack tides, which in a full moon can be very brief.
Legislation for dive operators is tantamount to the same legislation for scuba divers. It's not unreasonable to see that if a piece of legislation is passed in which dive operators are required to supply all of their divers with a PLB, that the law will simply be written as "all scuba divers must have a PLB."
Addressing the technological aspects they'd like to see involved, GPS doesn't work under water (and would be useless anyway, "great, I know I'm lost, no one else does"), PLB's, while fairly inexpensive, still require a diver to be on the surface and in control of their faculties, and SMB's require a diver to be in control of their faculties enough to either deploy it underwater, or on the surface and in control to deploy it on the surface. None of this is solved by any sort of requirement for the individual diver to carry more gear if they cannot affect any sort of self-rescue to begin with. If a diver cannot establish positive buoyancy on the surface, he sure as hell isn't going to be able to deploy and SMB or a PLB. Ineffective at best, a distraction for a panicking diver at worst. And they want to make the dive ops responsible for providing the gear and the training required to use it.
Do you expect the Coast Guard to close access to waterways? I have a hard time believing that would fly considering those conditions are not a danger to any other boating operation, and the dive industry is already well-regulated enough by itself. Sure there are unscrupulous ops that will throw a diver on a wreck in 200 feet of water with nothing more than an open water certification, but those get weeded out pretty quickly here in the western hemisphere. Dive operators should be able to assess the skill level of their divers to a certain extent, but at the end of the day, it's up to the individual diver to be aware of their limits. More regulation can only be unnecessarily restrictive.
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