Scuba diver dies after complaining of gear malfunction

[NYdiver_666]

From a learning standpoint I would hope we hear about the reported gear issue.

There was no mention of an equipment issue during the radio conversation although the coast guard and the rescue team were more focussed on the condition of the diver they were questioning the depth / dive time and recent dive history and such like. There was nothing mentioned about the divers experience or why she surfaced.

It was sobering to hear the events unfold.

 

[CuzzA]

There was no mention of an equipment issue during the radio conversation although the coast guard and the rescue team were more focussed on the condition of the diver they were questioning the depth / dive time and recent dive history and such like. There was nothing mentioned about the divers experience or why she surfaced.

It was sobering to hear the events unfold.

I'll bet. I've heard my share of incidents over the radio and it sucks to listen to the events unfold.

The gear issue was reported here by the Pinellas County Sheriffs Department. The news basically copied the report which is in my original post, of course they didn't make clear in their reporting whether the gear issue was pre or during the dive. The Sheriff's post clearly states before the dive.

It's my understand they have the gear and are inspecting it.

Prior to entering the water, witnesses said that Houtz complained about a malfunction with her diving equipment but continued with the dive.

Learning about that malfunction could shed light as to why she ended up on the surface.

 

[divinh]

Regarding rapid ascents, I bought a used BC and went to test it before actually using it. When I hooked it up to the tank, it would instantly inflate by itself. The problem was with the power inflator sticking. Can such a problem develop during a dive or would it manifest itself even before getting into the water, i.e. is it something that's either stuck or not and not something that creeps up on you?

 

[TrimixToo]

Regarding rapid ascents, I bought a used BC and went to test it before actually using it. When I hooked it up to the tank, it would instantly inflate by itself. The problem was with the power inflator sticking. Can such a problem develop during a dive or would it manifest itself even before getting into the water, i.e. is it something that's either stuck or not and not something that creeps up on you?

It can happen during a dive. It is suspected as a contributing cause to a fatality a year or two ago. It has also happened to me. (I just unhooked the hose and mouth-inflated for the rest of the day.)

 

[CuzzA]

Regarding rapid ascents, I bought a used BC and went to test it before actually using it. When I hooked it up to the tank, it would instantly inflate by itself. The problem was with the power inflator sticking. Can such a problem develop during a dive or would it manifest itself even before getting into the water, i.e. is it something that's either stuck or not and not something that creeps up on you?

Power inflators are often neglected. I soak mine in a mix of water and vinegar every few months which will get rid of the calcium build up. Any metal rust spots on my rig gets a blast of Corrosion X.

If it happens once, it's time to service it. It may or may not happen on your next dive, but the odds are not in your favor. An ounce of prevention... you know the rest.

 

[davehicks]

I just had a Dry Suit inflator start sticking on me. It didn't run away inflate, but it was pretty hard to press it in the first place. It took about 5 minutes to completely disassemble, clean, lube, and reinstall. I've rebuilt my BC inflators in the last couple of months as well. Put it on your checklist to check these every dive outing, and lube them up once in a while. A squirt of spay silicone in the pressure fitting once in a while will help to keep them lubricated until you can do a full service.

 

[BRT]

Embolism or pneumothorax perhaps. Not DCS. Getting bent is a function of time spent underwater not speeding to the surface.

You think fast ascents have no DCS risk?

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Maybe weight pouches not locking correctly or weak or worn out locks? Combine that with possibly being overweighted which would mean more air in the wing which means more gas to rapidly expand going up and having trouble venting it. That could be a scenario for an out of control ascent too. Combine that with some panic and not keeping an open airway, or just not being aware if how fast the acceleration is and everything happening so fast that the brain can’t comprehend what’s happening before it’s too late.

 

[tridacna]

You think fast ascents have no DCS risk?

Nope. Rapid ascent is more likely to cause an embolism. DCS is much more time dependent.

 

[clownfishsydney]

The other thing to consider is IPE. This will manifest as difficulty breathing as the main symptom (from my experience with a number of such incidents) which could be interpreted as gear failure (reg or valve or lack of air in tank). Once on the surface, they will vomit up a bloody sputum. All this can fit in with what is being reported. In addition, IPE is reported to affect older females more than other gender groups and also be more likely to occur in colder waters.