DIVING

1. Dive Fatalities
Sea condition (sea state) was reported in 114 cases (34%). Calm seas were noted in 69 (21%), moderate seas in 30
(9%) and rough seas were reported in 15 cases (4%).
Currents were described in 113 cases (34% of total). Currents were strong in 34 cases (30%), slight in 39 cases (35%)
or none in 40 cases (35%).
Information about protective suits worn by divers was available in 162 cases (49% of total). One hundred and twelve of
the victims (34%) wore wetsuits, 12 (4%) wore swimsuits or dive skins and 38 (11%) wore drysuits.
Figure 1.6-3 shows the maximum dive depth reported for known cases (n=199; 60% of total). Fifty fatal dives (15%)
occurred in water up to 30 feet deep, 55 (16%) in the depth range 31-60 feet, 36 (11%) in the depth range 61-90 feet,
24 (7%) in the depth range 91-120 feet, and 34 (10%) occurred in water deeper than 120 feet. Data were not available
for 135 cases (40%).
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Number of Fatalities
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
2010
2011
2012
2013
6
4
2
0
1-30 31-60 61-90 91-120 >120
Maximum Depth of the Fatal Dive
Figure 1.6-3 Maximum depth of the fatal dive, 2010-2013 (n=199)
While at least 12% of the fatal dives were intended as solo dives, as shown in Figure 1.6-4 most dives started with a dive
buddy. Adherence to buddy system diving is difficult to establish retrospectively. When survivors notice that their buddy
is missing it does not necessarily mean that the buddy intentionally separated; it may rather mean that nobody noticed
the diver having problems that eventually led to them dying.
Annual Diving Report – 2012-2015 Edition
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