I'm sad to report the loss of a member of our little fraternity of underwater photographers. I don't know if he was active on the Scubaboard, but he was a terrific photographer, great diver and wonderful human being and will be missed.
Kawika Chetron was a constant presence in Monterey. Most weekends his truck could be found in the Breakwater lot, with him sleeping inside and his 17' Whaler behind. If you haven't seen his pictures, please check his website http://www.coldwaterimages.com/ while you still can. After showing his latest slide show to our dive club last Wednesday, Kawika set out for the North Coast, where he put in at Eureka and drove his boat to a place called Blounts Reef about 5 miles off Cape Mendocino. He was reported missing on Saturday, and the Coast Guard began an extensive search. His boat was found empty, save for his camera, and partially swamped. No sign of Kawika. Kawika often dived solo, and this area is apparently known for its treacherous currents and pounding waves. Neither diver nor equipment was found after a 3 day search.
Sadly, Kawika was the second newfound friend lost to diving this year. Earlier in the year, Robin Wadsworth who taught music to the deaf and had taught himself Taiko drumming and several languages, was lost freediving in Bonaire. He had used up his preflight dives and was freediving at about 30foot depth with his wife when he passed out and drowned. The verdict was lack of 0xygen due to nitrogen build up after several days of continuous diving.
Please be careful.
Kawika Chetron was a constant presence in Monterey. Most weekends his truck could be found in the Breakwater lot, with him sleeping inside and his 17' Whaler behind. If you haven't seen his pictures, please check his website http://www.coldwaterimages.com/ while you still can. After showing his latest slide show to our dive club last Wednesday, Kawika set out for the North Coast, where he put in at Eureka and drove his boat to a place called Blounts Reef about 5 miles off Cape Mendocino. He was reported missing on Saturday, and the Coast Guard began an extensive search. His boat was found empty, save for his camera, and partially swamped. No sign of Kawika. Kawika often dived solo, and this area is apparently known for its treacherous currents and pounding waves. Neither diver nor equipment was found after a 3 day search.
Sadly, Kawika was the second newfound friend lost to diving this year. Earlier in the year, Robin Wadsworth who taught music to the deaf and had taught himself Taiko drumming and several languages, was lost freediving in Bonaire. He had used up his preflight dives and was freediving at about 30foot depth with his wife when he passed out and drowned. The verdict was lack of 0xygen due to nitrogen build up after several days of continuous diving.
Please be careful.
