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 by the crew. 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".

 

[dmaziuk]

Not that sort of boat to be able to do that

From the picture it looks like one could lay down on the foredeck.

It doesn't really matter if it's a 15-minute ride and a dozen+ people on board: human short-term memory is only good for 5..9 objects and if it were mine, it'd more likely keep track of the ones of attractive age and body shape.

Also I don't get "The brothers were 35 minutes into their dive when the boat left without them": what was the rest of the group's bottom time: 5 minutes? Did they jump in 30 minutes after the rest of 'em? The usual clueless reporting?

 

[DownUnderwater Dan]

From the picture it looks like one could lay down on the foredeck.

It doesn't really matter if it's a 15-minute ride and a dozen+ people on board: human short-term memory is only good for 5..9 objects and if it were mine, it'd more likely keep track of the ones of attractive age and body shape.

Also I don't get "The brothers were 35 minutes into their dive when the boat left without them": what was the rest of the group's bottom time: 5 minutes? Did they jump in 30 minutes after the rest of 'em? The usual clueless reporting?

In the video with the brothers, the reporter says "they were 35 minutes into their 40 minute dive slot.."

Also there is a lawyer representing the brothers, present at the interview. So, whatever the victims said, and other information that was shared, the lawyer would've instructed what could be said, in this potential legal matter.

The culpability lies with the dive charter operator. I don't care if all the other divers were doing their open-water course, or if they had thousands of dives experience,...the other divers bear no fault, & shouldn't be made to feel somewhat responsible any tiny bit for this serious incident.

 

[dmaziuk]

In the video with the brothers, the reporter says "they were 35 minutes into their 40 minute dive slot.."

Also there is a lawyer representing the brothers, present at the interview. So, whatever the victims said, and other information that was shared, the lawyer would've instructed what could be said, in this potential legal matter.

The culpability lies with the dive charter operator. I don't care if all the other divers were doing their open-water course, or if they had thousands of dives experience,...the other divers bear no fault, & shouldn't be made to feel somewhat responsible any tiny bit for this serious incident.

Oh, it's absolutely not the other divers' fault. I was just wondering what sort of a trip it was: if it were a "group" dive, I can think of a scenario in which the group jumps in, does their dive, everyone's climbed on board, got their kit off, and is ready to sail home, while this one buddy pair is still only at the turn pressure, but... these guys don't look like they have gills.

 

[DownUnderwater Dan]

Oh, it's absolutely not the other divers' fault. I was just wondering what sort of a trip it was: if it were a "group" dive, I can think of a scenario in which the group jumps in, does their dive, everyone's climbed on board, got their kit off, and is ready to sail home, while this one buddy pair is still only at the turn pressure, but... these guys don't look like they have gills.

There's still more detailed information to come out, that might shed light on what actually happened...Like if there was an actual headcount or not with the brothers potentially missed & not counted to begin with, the in/experience level of the crew etc. More answers soon hopefully.

According to the brothers, there wasn't any headcounts.

and if it were mine, it'd more likely keep track of the ones of attractive age and body shape.

Totally agree.

 

[Seepferdchencam]

There's still more detailed information to come out, that might shed light on what actually happened...Like if there was an actual headcount or not with the brothers potentially missed & not counted to begin with, the in/experience level of the crew etc. More answers soon hopefully.

According to the brothers, there wasn't any headcounts.



Totally agree.

I dive off dive taxi style boats a fair bit. There's no assigned spots so your spot on the bench on the way out is not necessarily your spot on the bench for on the way back. There's usually spare bench even when fully booked because they need room for twins. They often have lots of OW student groups who are very preoccupied and have short run times. Unless I know another diver well or there is something more remarkable about them than being big and bald (ha! in Australia? basically the default) I would never have the first clue whether everyone was back on the boat without doing a count myself, which I never do.

 

[dmaziuk]

I dive off dive taxi style boats a fair bit. There's no assigned spots so your spot on the bench on the way out is not necessarily your spot on the bench for on the way back. There's usually spare bench even when fully booked because they need room for twins. They often have lots of OW student groups who are very preoccupied and have short run times. Unless I know another diver well or there is something more remarkable about them than being big and bald (ha! in Australia? basically the default) I would never have the first clue whether everyone was back on the boat without doing a count myself, which I never do.

That's just great! Sharks, 50+ summer temperatures, and now no head count on dive boats. Makes me wonder if I really want to go back after my Murkian employers kick me out to pasture.