lerpy
Contributor
Yes. I forgot to mention the point about how if anyone does surface in the channel they need to be picked up immediately and that it would slow the process of getting the diver out of harm's way and that you guys do occasionally maneuver with a diver on the ladder.
Indeed, if someone comes up in the channel, we will grab you. If there is a laker approaching, we will grab your bag and drag you while you are still under if needed. 99.9 percent are pretty good and stay on the wall in the narrows. This past season someone came up when diving the America, had drifted off and was floating in the channel, lake approaching but far enough off we had time to go snag him. Although I am sure the captain of the laker saw what was happening and was cursing.
I know of one occasion where a diver sent a bag up in the middle of the channel in the narrows and a laker was approaching. Maritime law was followed and the laker went full stop. Apparently the lecture from the Coast Guard ( which were on scene by the time the diver surfaced) and the following fine stung a little, better than a I laker on top of you though.