Second fatality in Cayman

[enjoyingthesun]

In a pattern sadly mirroring the start of 2007, a second diver has died off Grand Cayman in the space of 10 days.

The 64-year-old is reported to have surfaced on his own after problems during a dive off the old DiveTech location (now Sun Divers) at the Cracked Conch in West Bay on Tuesday 29 January.

His body was recovered in open water some 10 miles west of GC on Thursday.

The site, known as Turtle Reef, is a 60' mini-wall about a 3-4 minute swim from the entry ladder. We frequently have a tricky surface current out there due to prevailing winds and, from my experience, it is better to stay under the water coming back in if you can.

In 2007 we had five fatalities in the early months of the year then things settled down.

 

[robint]

In a pattern sadly mirroring the start of 2007, a second diver has died off Grand Cayman in the space of 10 days.

The 64-year-old is reported to have surfaced on his own after problems during a dive off the old DiveTech location (now Sun Divers) at the Cracked Conch in West Bay on Tuesday 29 January.

His body was recovered in open water some 10 miles west of GC on Thursday.

The site, known as Turtle Reef, is a 60' mini-wall about a 3-4 minute swim from the entry ladder. We frequently have a tricky surface current out there due to prevailing winds and, from my experience, it is better to stay under the water coming back in if you can.

In 2007 we had five fatalities in the early months of the year then things settled down.

any details yet on what caused his death? Was he a new diver or once a year diver? Any info? Was he shore diving with a group?

 

[kwedun]

for more info - Cayman Islands - Cay Compass News Online - Body Recovered off 12–Mile Bank

 

[hleighaz]

Just did this Dive today. Very easy dive. Agree about the surface conditions. We just kicked in about 5ft under until we could grab the rope and pull into shore.

Excellent dive.

I heard this guy was with a group and he was having issues and decided to head up, they let him go alone. For all we know he passed out on the way up or something.

Guess his Dive buddy failed him and that is sad.

 

[Saturation]

for more info - Cayman Islands - Cay Compass News Online - Body Recovered off 12–Mile Bank

Thanks for the details. Do you have a link for the earlier Grand Cayman fatality, from any news paper website?

 

[ianr33]

Family seeks answers after diving fatality

Google "Tina Baxter Cayman" for lots more

 

[hleighaz]

Family seeks answers after diving fatality

Google "Tina Baxter Cayman" for lots more

That one is different. That was last week. Same area though. Its been a bad week for Grand Cayman!

 

[ianr33]

That one is different. That was last week. Same area though. Its been a bad week for Grand Cayman!

Was replying to the post above mine from Saturation

 

[Saturation]

Thank you. Rather extensive leads for Ms. Baxter, RIP.

 

[litlhouse]

After watching the report, the first reaction is the "Buddy System" he was using failed. Seems he had experience...to a point. Sad.