This wasn't a large incident but I've seen it twice (once in OW pool dives and once Saturday). My buddy and I were diving at Vortex Springs, FL and we had descended to the mouth of the cave at approx. 55ft to photograph some FW eels. We finished our business there and that's when I saw'im.
As we're coming out, this guy is coming down into the hole, and it's just not pretty; he's flailing around (I think he was weighted improperly due to his cylinder) and most importantly, his cylinder had become detached from the BC. So now the cylinder is floating far enough behind him that the hose is threatening to yank the reg from his mouth. So I rocketed over to him and realized he was wearing some kind of fins that were made of foam and what appeared to be mostly rental gear. Well it scared him when I patted his shoulder and flashed him the OK sign, which he didn't return.... Well I had no idea what to think of that (he's still breathing), so I just went to work on his tank and got it back in and secured. I then just watched him go on about his business. He may never have known he had a problem.... This raises alot of questions for me. I'm a new diver (only like 11 dives now), but where was this guy's buddy? Was he even certified (no OK symbol)? Who cleared him to rent equipment? :06:
I just hope to god he didn't actually enter the cave :jump013:. I didn't hear any fatality reports, so I guess he came out ok. However, it did make me feel really good to help him out, and I guess I solved my first real problem UW. Thanks for listening.
the crizzotch