Error Local diver critical - Cirkewwa harbor, Malta

[DandyDon]

Google has several news stories about the incident, but none offer much in detail. Some mention that he lives in Iklin, Malta...

Diver in serious condition after finding difficulty in Cirkewwa

Diver hospitalised in serious condition after finding difficulty in Cirkewwa on Sunday

www.maltatoday.com.mt

A 59-year-old diver is in serious condition after encountering difficulties while diving in Cirkewwa earlier today.

The police were notified of the incident at around 9am. He was assisted by others who were with him at the time and pulled from the sea.

After receiving medical assistance immediately, he was taken by ambulance to Mater Dei for urgent medical treatment.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia has been informed and is leading an inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the event.

 

[Miyaru]

Dione Galdes Passes Away After Diving Accident

Widely-respected diver Dione Galdes unfortunately succumbed to his injuries after a diving incident on Sunday

lovinmalta.com

 

[Miyaru]

Cause of death: drowning
Reason for drowning: diving in with closed valves (twinset).
Depth: ~2m

This was diver error. It is unknown if he was diving solo or with a buddy, he was taken out of the water by someone who was still assessing the conditions.

 

[Kay Dee]

Cause of death: drowning
Reason for drowning: diving in with closed valves (twinset).
Depth: ~2m

This was diver error. It is unknown if he was diving solo or with a buddy, he was taken out of the water by someone who was still assessing the conditions.

Condolences. But why, if diving doubles, it is worth imperitive to regularly practice valve shut-downs (and openings), even if only while on deco. And being able to do so, quickly.

 

[Tritip]

He drowned in 2M ? That’s why the Padi etc should teach us to take a deep breath before jumping giant stride just to prevent this

 

[Miyaru]

He drowned in 2M ? That’s why the Padi etc should teach us to take a deep breath before jumping giant stride just to prevent this

No, he drowned in 2m of water, m=meter, M=mega.
It's just a detail, but this incident illustrates that little details (like opening your valves) can be lethal.

A giant stride nor agency had anything to do with this.

 

[Tritip]

But 2m means he was at the surface? Even if the valve was closed why can’t he just pull out the regulator and or mask and lift his head to breathe?

 

[Kay Dee]

He drowned in 2M ? That’s why the Padi etc should teach us to take a deep breath before jumping giant stride just to prevent this

You mean to help 'prevent' this. A full lung of air striding in will not prevent it if you still cant open your valves!

 

[Tritip]

Every little bit helps. He was at the surface then given his experience how does he drown?

 

[Miyaru]

There were some waves rolling in, and these took a DPV to the slightly deeper part.
He (likely) reached for that DPV, stepped into the deeper section, realised that he couldn't breeze and instead of opening the valves of his twinset (or just the right side), he panicked (and drowned).

And that is diver error.

He didn't open his valves, something you do when preparing your rig.
He didn't check his 2nd stages by breathing from them just below the waterline.
He didn't inflate his wing.
Three missed opportunities to identify the problem.

Panic inhibits corrective actions. Nature does not give you a break when you panic.
The solution is to decrease a panic response by increasing your comfort zone with situations like these - repetitive skill practice, especially when complacency kicks in for "experienced" divers.