Unknown Two abandoned drifters rescued by ferry, one hospitalized - Western Australia

[MaxBottomtime]

The gear would be in their spots on the bench, even if the divers themselves are elsewhere.

 

[Scared Silly]

I can remember some years ago diving on a day boat with lots of other divers. I think it was out of San Diego. My spouse and I somewhat joking said to the couple kitting up next to us make sure the boat does not leave without us. They said the same. While it was in jest, there is something to be said for chatting with those near by as a "is everyone back on board" check.

As for the two gentlemen who were left behind. They stand out and should not have been missed. Especially given what appears to be an open layout of the boat in question.

 

[clownfishsydney]

People do go lay down on foredeck, or upper deck where available, so it's not always the case that everybody is sitting on the bench.

The only times I've seen the crew not doing the roll call is when it was the 2 of us plus the DM and the captain.

Not that sort of boat to be able to do that

 

[DownUnderwater Dan]

The gear would be in their spots on the bench, even if the divers themselves are elsewhere.

OK, I accept that you're not insinuating blame, or any type of GUILT for the other divers to burden.

So which one is it then? That "they really stand out"(missing divers), or other divers should've noticed empty spots on bench, or other divers should've noticed gear on bench?

The video of brothers said they were 4km's off Hillarys. The brothers were 35 minutes into their dive when the boat left without them, and were on surface for at least 30 minutes. When notified of missing divers by Rottnest Ferries, the Perth Diving Academy's Wildcat boat was there in 15 minutes.

So we're talking about a 10-15 minute boat ride. The boat can seat 20 people. I think other divers would usually be more focused on gearing up & checking their diving equipment on the short boat ride, instead of getting to hear everyone's life story in a very short time, or taking mental notes on how much an overweight person really "stands out".