Fatality at San Clemente Island

[KazInAz]

Our group was diving off Clemente Friday Aug. 6 when our boat caption heard radio traffic from a large charter dive boat that was anchored about 200 yards from us. At this time they had a diver in the water for almost an hour and 30 min. The dive site is a deep one, Window Pinnacle or Window Pane (various names listed for this site). Coast Guard arrived about 1/2 hr after this (diver missing over 2 hrs at this point) Missing diver found at 90 ft, brought to surface by divers from the boat who ditched the equipment without inflation so equipment was lost. Little else is know by our boat other than it was apparantly a female diver who was diving solo.
We were wondering if anyone else has any further information about the incident and I was surprised to arrive home Saturday night to see nothing on this board. Also wasnt sure if I should post the name of the boat or not.

 

[drbill]

I talked to a few dive professionals and emergency personnel here on the island. So far it has been hard to get good factual information. Unfortunately the boat was captained by someone I know, but it does not appear to have been crew-related. I hope not because he is undoubtedly taking this pretty hard.

The boat was out of Santa Barbara (I'll leave the name, etc., unmentioned for now). First reports were that the 54-year old woman was a DM diving solo and went down to 200 ft (or was found at 200 ft). Then I heard from emergency personnel that it was a 57-year old who was found at 70 ft. So far I have not heard anything I consider reliable, but will check with my housemate when I return since she receives the emergency reports (Baywatch, Harbor, Fire and Police) for one of our local papers.

Dr. Bill

 

[scubasean]

Our group was diving off Catalina Friday Aug. 6 when our boat caption heard radio traffic from the boat that was anchored about 200 yards from us. At this time they had a diver in the water for almost an hour and 30 min. The dive site is a deep one, Window Pinnacle. Coast Guard arrived about 1/2 hr after this (diver missing over 2 hrs at this point) Missing diver found at 90 ft, brought to surface by divers from the boat who ditched the equipment without inflation so equipment was lost. Coast Guard not happy with this. Little else is know by our boat other than it was apparantly a female diver who was diving alone.
We were wondering if anyone else has any further information about the incident and I was surprised to arrive home Saturday night to see nothing on this board. Also wasnt sure if I should post the name of the boat or not.

Sorry to hear about this. I feel sorry for her family.


I wonder why the divers ditched her equipment before surfacing...

 

[KazInAz]

Please re-read initial msg. I had orginially typed Catalina when I should have put Clemente. We had been to both islands.

We heard she dove to 200ft and was found at 90ft. Equipment ditched at surface but this is all heresay at this time. To me, I would assume they would have had to inflate her equipment prior to surfacing so why did it sink at the surface when removed? More than likely it was ditched at depth. Again....all speculation at this point.

 

[azcaddman]

approx location (from noaa charts)

 

[madsci]

I was on the boat in question. She was apparently found at 70 feet - I've heard nothing to suggest that she'd been down to 200 feet, but it's possible... this was my first trip with her, but it sounds like she liked to dive deep. Her integrated weight pouch was found ditched - the rest of her gear was recovered, but lost during the helicopter extraction. Last I heard the Coast Guard was out looking for it. Anyone diving at Window Pane who finds anything should report it to the Coast Guard. Unless it's a blue weight belt with yellow lift bag attached - that's mine.

I did hear something about a possible seizure, and that she may have bitten through her mouthpiece. Still, this is mostly speculation... she was diving alone, and we'll probably have to wait for the medical examiner's report for a cause of death.

 

[Foo]

Madsci,
I'm so sorry about this accident. That had to be very emotional and difficult. If you know her family, please pass on our condolences here at Scubaboard. Take care and God bless,
Foo

 

[Wildcard]

Sad and tragic.

 

[phlee]

As responsible divers, please just follow your training and skill sets. This accident may not have been prevented, but for sure a buddy would have alerted the boat.

Complacency---- To a degree, we as divers suffer to some through this.
This accident occurred on the first dive of a four-day boat trip. Perhaps the need to get wet was a part of this equation.

Responsibility ---- This boat has posted responsibility reminders throughout this boat. The reminder is correct. Ultimately we our responsible for ourselves. If anyone has that post or remembers it, in it’s entirety please post it.

I only met this diver coming on board and the morning of the accident. She was vibrant and it was a pleasure to have met her. My condolences to the family and her many good friends. I hope to see you again aboard.

 

[alemaozinho]

my condolences to the family