Provisional report on diving-related fatalities in Australian waters 2008

Abstract

Introduction: An individual case review of diving-related deaths, reported as occurring in Australia in 2008, was conducted as part of the DAN Asia-Pacific dive fatality reporting project.

Method: The case studies were compiled using reports from witnesses, the police and coroners. In each case, the particular circumstances of the accident and details from the post-mortem examination, where available, are provided.

Results: In total, there were 19 reported fatalities (the same as for 2007), 17 involving males. Twelve deaths occurred while snorkelling and/or breath-hold diving,and six while scuba diving. One diver died while using surface-supply breathing apparatus. Two breath-hold divers appear to have died as a result of apnoeic hypoxia, at least one case likely associated with hyperventilation. Two deaths resulted from trauma: one from impact with a boat and the other from an encounter with a great white shark. Cardiac-related issues were thought to have contributed to the deaths of five snorkellers and at least two, possibly three, scuba divers.

Conclusions: Trauma from a marine creature, snorkelling or diving alone, apnoeic hypoxia and pre-existing medical conditions were once again features in several deaths in this series.

Keywords: Diving deaths; breath­hold diving; case reports; diving accidents; scuba; surface­supply breathing apparatus (SSBA).