Diver down

NaterGator · 05-19-08, 11:31 PM

This is weird:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24684003/

I was down at the beach house with a few friends this weekend. This happened at the pass about 1/8th a mile from the house, so a total of about a 1/6th a mile away. Saw the coast guard helicopters in the but thought they were running drills. Went out later in the day fishing and interacting with the porpoises, but didn't see the search and rescue.

Found out about it on the news late that day. We've since been looking for the body while we were in the area, but nothing turned up. Literally the diver just disappeared in the pass, so weird.

He comes up at the end of the dive, others get on the boat, when they go to get him he's gone.

We were swimming in the water (gulf side) and had 3-4 6-7ft sharks come and check us out but they never got too close for comfort. Sharks would have a hard time eating a diver on the surface with all his gear on, esp without having anyone notice. The area they were diving gets really shallow (9ft or less in every direction) in short order, so he couldn't sink very far without people noticing.

I can't figure it out, how does somebody disappear like this after coming up okay? This is a very weird story, and I'm interested in seeing the resolution, esp since it happened less than half a mile from where I'm staying

Hilux · 05-19-08, 11:36 PM

sucks, :sad: does that reign have caves?

whatta ya think about a Cudda attack?

LockedLX · 05-20-08, 12:02 AM

Weird that you should post this.. I just heard that my sister witnessed the attempted rescue of these guys today: Bradenton.com | 05/20/2008 | Vacationers drown off Longboat Key

Hopefully rip currents weren't to blame for the diver's disappearance as well..

Weedhopper · 05-20-08, 05:35 AM

Yes, sharks can make you disappear instantly.

fsusteve · 05-20-08, 05:45 AM

I heard this last week, if he was near the pass and the tide was hauling ass out, I could see it but the capt would've/should've accounted for that. Shark is doubtful although the big hammerheads are coming in with the tarpon schools, there would've been a blood slick. Barracuda attacks, same thing plus I've swam around them for years and never had an issue. I'm guessing the current took him.

TJDIV · 05-20-08, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsusteve

I heard this last week, if he was near the pass and the tide was hauling ass out, I could see it but the capt would've/should've accounted for that. Shark is doubtful although the big hammerheads are coming in with the tarpon schools, there would've been a blood slick. Barracuda attacks, same thing plus I've swam around them for years and never had an issue. I'm guessing the current took him.

Dude was 67 years old.

A few years back we dove with a dude that was maybe 55...tide started moving and we had to start cutting rope to save him.

No shark...certainly not a barracuda. There would've been too much noise, at any age, with pain and adrenaline.

To disappear like that is likely current, disorientation, and / or health related or a combination.

I'd wager it happens more frequently than you think.

fsusteve · 05-20-08, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJDIV

Dude was 67 years old.

A few years back we dove with a dude that was maybe 55...tide started moving and we had to start cutting rope to save him.

No shark...certainly not a barracuda. There would've been too much noise, at any age, with pain and adrenaline.

To disappear like that is likely current, disorientation, and / or health related or a combination.

I'd wager it happens more frequently than you think.

and or alcohol, it amazes me how many people think it'll be cool to swim with the fishy after a few boat drinks.

jjbodean1970 · 05-20-08, 08:34 AM

possibly ascended too quickly? nothing mentioned about other divers talking about his safety stop...

Wile E Coyote · 05-20-08, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjbodean1970

possibly ascended too quickly? nothing mentioned about other divers talking about his safety stop...

Not too many safety stops required in 9 ft of water.

reconranger · 05-20-08, 10:42 AM

The originial MSNBC article stated that he surfaced by himself.

Hmmm, no dive buddy, maybe? My boys at Key West (Army dive school) and at Panama City (Navy dive school) would not be happy to hear that he surfaced by himself.

Second, it is very easy to get disoriented.

Third, Air Gas embolism can happen surfacing from 9 ft as well as 90 ft.

Fourth, take nothing for granted in water.

I feel for him and his family.

NaterGator · 05-20-08, 10:57 AM

I believe it was an incoming tide at the time and the location is so shallow in all directions that it's hard to believe you couldn't stand much less get to a shore somewhere. Really all I can think of is heart attack or stroke or a contaminated cylinder. None the less it's very weird.

Here is gmap of where they were diving (green arrow- is a spring) and the surrounding areas. During a spring-low tide alot of that area is actually out of the water

Boca Grande Causeway @26.817323, -82.273293 - Google Maps

Hilux · 05-20-08, 11:11 AM

I didnt want to jump to conclusions but I'll just say this:

IF I was 67 my heart would explode if a big ass fish, of any kind, attacked me.....there.

NoHandleBars · 05-20-08, 11:31 AM

50$ says it's one of those freakish giant squids that lives like 2000 feet below the ocean, just came up for a peak. No, but really, I don't see how this guy can be there and then gone... unless a shark ate him WHOLE, someone would have found his gear or something, and I doubt he was stupid enough to wonder into a tiny cave and get stuck...oceans big though, god knows what happened or where his body is. I personally think divers (scuba) should have the mic interface system that is incorporated at a lot of places now. Being in the water, can be dangerous, and if you spot an aggresive fish, or you see a danger, you should be able to tell your partner or buddies w\o having to tap them on the back and use hand motions while a big ass great white is chasing you.

Hilux · 05-20-08, 11:39 AM

Cant really think of a better way, myself, to make myself disappear.

jjbodean1970 · 05-20-08, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wile E Coyote

Not too many safety stops required in 9 ft of water.

9' water? i must have missed reading that part of the article...

eta: just reread that in OP post, but it doesnt say the current depth at the diver's pickup point - 20'? 30'? 40'?

NaterGator · 05-20-08, 12:48 PM

Trust me there is no water in that area deeper than 30', and that would be via setting your computer at the bottom. I'm assuming they were at the freshwater spring since thats about the only reasonable place to dive in the area, in which case it is more like 20'. It gets shallow in all directions and land is 100' away or less pretty much wherever you go. That's the reason this is so 'wtf'; by the time you surface in that area you can handle just about any situation or draw the necessary attention to yourself. Any boat with a tower should have easily been able to spot him even if he was gone for 5 minutes and there was a current.

jjbodean1970 · 05-20-08, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaterGator

Trust me there is no water in that area deeper than 30', and that would be via setting your computer at the bottom. I'm assuming they were at the freshwater spring since thats about the only reasonable place to dive in the area, in which case it is more like 20'. It gets shallow in all directions and land is 100' away or less pretty much wherever you go. That's the reason this is so 'wtf'; by the time you surface in that area you can handle just about any situation or draw the necessary attention to yourself. Any boat with a tower should have easily been able to spot him even if he was gone for 5 minutes and there was a current.

gotcha.

i agree, thats fawked.

fsusteve · 05-20-08, 12:58 PM

seems like we lose a few divers here and in the Keys every year, weird stuff.

DSRTRDR · 05-20-08, 02:53 PM

too close to the Bermuda triangle

White Shark · 05-20-08, 08:28 PM

I got him. He fought, but never had a chance against my superior skills.

Just waiting for a body to come by....

..

OZCAL · 05-21-08, 06:24 AM

Has the divemaster changed his story yet? I think we will find out he thinks he saw him surface.

Hilux · 05-21-08, 09:32 AM

I'm tell'en ya'll...he's sitting on a beach somewhere earning 20%

.

reconranger · 05-21-08, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsusteve

seems like we lose a few divers here and in the Keys every year, weird stuff.

True dat for the Keys.

The Army runs a SF combat diver course there. There always warning trainees about the current and that straying off course on underwater navigation could land you in the middle of nowhere sucking on empty.

fsusteve · 05-28-08, 03:05 PM

update....

CHARLOTTE COUNTY: The body of a missing SCUBA diver was located by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies say the body of 67-year-old Dale Witt was found between seven and eight miles offshore.

Now, the body will be taken to the Charlotte Medical Examiner’s office.

Witt was SCUBA diving on a charter boat on May 17 when he was reported missing. A two day search was called off by various agencies as they were unable to locate the diver.

Jman · 05-28-08, 03:08 PM

Underwater pitbulls?

05-19-08, 11:31 PM	#1
NaterGator Dive on in... Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tampa/Gainesville, FL TLCA# 18767 Posts: 1,236	Diver down This is weird: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24684003/ I was down at the beach house with a few friends this weekend. This happened at the pass about 1/8th a mile from the house, so a total of about a 1/6th a mile away. Saw the coast guard helicopters in the but thought they were running drills. Went out later in the day fishing and interacting with the porpoises, but didn't see the search and rescue. Found out about it on the news late that day. We've since been looking for the body while we were in the area, but nothing turned up. Literally the diver just disappeared in the pass, so weird. He comes up at the end of the dive, others get on the boat, when they go to get him he's gone. We were swimming in the water (gulf side) and had 3-4 6-7ft sharks come and check us out but they never got too close for comfort. Sharks would have a hard time eating a diver on the surface with all his gear on, esp without having anyone notice. The area they were diving gets really shallow (9ft or less in every direction) in short order, so he couldn't sink very far without people noticing. I can't figure it out, how does somebody disappear like this after coming up okay? This is a very weird story, and I'm interested in seeing the resolution, esp since it happened less than half a mile from where I'm staying __________________ '96 LX450, 33" Revos, OME lifted, etc, etc Love the life you live, live the life you love. -Bob Marley Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. -Oscar Wilde Firefox users, get your youtube on!

05-19-08, 11:36 PM	#2
Hilux IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naked at the other end of this... TLCA# 9h9-69 Posts: 576	sucks, :sad: does that reign have caves? whatta ya think about a Cudda attack? __________________ I'm too old school, I still hold a phone to my ear... We're just one krappy Diesel away from another 30 years of gas ...the "6.2 Redo" As soon as I figure out how to make a still, I'm going to start making "Bio Gasoline" lets see, corn, sugar...copper pipe...

05-20-08, 12:02 AM	#3
LockedLX IH8MUD Junior Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 133	Weird that you should post this.. I just heard that my sister witnessed the attempted rescue of these guys today: Bradenton.com \| 05/20/2008 \| Vacationers drown off Longboat Key Hopefully rip currents weren't to blame for the diver's disappearance as well.. __________________ Offroad: '97 LX450 - 127k, the wanderer Onroad: '95 Volvo 854 Turbo - 256k, daily boost Backroads: '87 Mustang 5.0 Coupe - 96k, for sale! "There's always parts left over.."

05-20-08, 05:35 AM	#4
Weedhopper IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 554	Yes, sharks can make you disappear instantly. __________________ Speed bumps hurt 78 FJ 40 Russstard..and a sistership for parts

05-20-08, 05:45 AM	#5
fsusteve Givin' the Stink Eye... Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Where the tarpon roll.... TLCA# 8714 Posts: 2,213 Blog Entries: 1	I heard this last week, if he was near the pass and the tide was hauling ass out, I could see it but the capt would've/should've accounted for that. Shark is doubtful although the big hammerheads are coming in with the tarpon schools, there would've been a blood slick. Barracuda attacks, same thing plus I've swam around them for years and never had an issue. I'm guessing the current took him. __________________ Save the brow....

05-20-08, 08:34 AM	#8
jjbodean1970 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2004 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 883	possibly ascended too quickly? nothing mentioned about other divers talking about his safety stop... __________________ The smoker you drink, the player you get. 2000 UZJ100 TLCA #14836

05-20-08, 10:42 AM	#10
reconranger IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 18	The originial MSNBC article stated that he surfaced by himself. Hmmm, no dive buddy, maybe? My boys at Key West (Army dive school) and at Panama City (Navy dive school) would not be happy to hear that he surfaced by himself. Second, it is very easy to get disoriented. Third, Air Gas embolism can happen surfacing from 9 ft as well as 90 ft. Fourth, take nothing for granted in water. I feel for him and his family. __________________ LC newbie Proud daddy of 3 boys and 85 FJ60, mostly stock, 31" tires, 4" lift, and LX450, locked, Bridgestone Destination Revo, stock "The beatings will continue until morale improves!" - an old Parris Island slogan.

05-20-08, 10:57 AM	#11
NaterGator Dive on in... Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tampa/Gainesville, FL TLCA# 18767 Posts: 1,236	I believe it was an incoming tide at the time and the location is so shallow in all directions that it's hard to believe you couldn't stand much less get to a shore somewhere. Really all I can think of is heart attack or stroke or a contaminated cylinder. None the less it's very weird. Here is gmap of where they were diving (green arrow- is a spring) and the surrounding areas. During a spring-low tide alot of that area is actually out of the water Boca Grande Causeway @26.817323, -82.273293 - Google Maps __________________ '96 LX450, 33" Revos, OME lifted, etc, etc Love the life you live, live the life you love. -Bob Marley Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. -Oscar Wilde Firefox users, get your youtube on!

05-20-08, 11:11 AM	#12
Hilux IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naked at the other end of this... TLCA# 9h9-69 Posts: 576	I didnt want to jump to conclusions but I'll just say this: IF I was 67 my heart would explode if a big ass fish, of any kind, attacked me.....there. __________________ I'm too old school, I still hold a phone to my ear... We're just one krappy Diesel away from another 30 years of gas ...the "6.2 Redo" As soon as I figure out how to make a still, I'm going to start making "Bio Gasoline" lets see, corn, sugar...copper pipe...

05-20-08, 11:31 AM	#13
NoHandleBars IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 221	50$ says it's one of those freakish giant squids that lives like 2000 feet below the ocean, just came up for a peak. No, but really, I don't see how this guy can be there and then gone... unless a shark ate him WHOLE, someone would have found his gear or something, and I doubt he was stupid enough to wonder into a tiny cave and get stuck...oceans big though, god knows what happened or where his body is. I personally think divers (scuba) should have the mic interface system that is incorporated at a lot of places now. Being in the water, can be dangerous, and if you spot an aggresive fish, or you see a danger, you should be able to tell your partner or buddies w\o having to tap them on the back and use hand motions while a big ass great white is chasing you.

05-20-08, 11:39 AM	#14
Hilux IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naked at the other end of this... TLCA# 9h9-69 Posts: 576	Cant really think of a better way, myself, to make myself disappear. __________________ I'm too old school, I still hold a phone to my ear... We're just one krappy Diesel away from another 30 years of gas ...the "6.2 Redo" As soon as I figure out how to make a still, I'm going to start making "Bio Gasoline" lets see, corn, sugar...copper pipe...

05-20-08, 12:48 PM	#16
NaterGator Dive on in... Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tampa/Gainesville, FL TLCA# 18767 Posts: 1,236	Trust me there is no water in that area deeper than 30', and that would be via setting your computer at the bottom. I'm assuming they were at the freshwater spring since thats about the only reasonable place to dive in the area, in which case it is more like 20'. It gets shallow in all directions and land is 100' away or less pretty much wherever you go. That's the reason this is so 'wtf'; by the time you surface in that area you can handle just about any situation or draw the necessary attention to yourself. Any boat with a tower should have easily been able to spot him even if he was gone for 5 minutes and there was a current. __________________ '96 LX450, 33" Revos, OME lifted, etc, etc Love the life you live, live the life you love. -Bob Marley Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. -Oscar Wilde Firefox users, get your youtube on!

05-20-08, 12:58 PM	#18
fsusteve Givin' the Stink Eye... Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Where the tarpon roll.... TLCA# 8714 Posts: 2,213 Blog Entries: 1	seems like we lose a few divers here and in the Keys every year, weird stuff. __________________ Save the brow....

05-20-08, 02:53 PM	#19
DSRTRDR I can mangle anything... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: BTR, PHX, OMA TLCA# 14706 Posts: 2,533	too close to the Bermuda triangle __________________ Claudia '72FJ40 with a no-number 2F, new MAF headers, 4spd, 33x10.5 BFG MT, 4" lift, roll cage, ARB lockers f/r, MAF disk brakes f/r, hand throttle, Painless wiring, dual advance dizzy, Bilsteins, 4+ front bumper/rear shackles/U-bolt flip, Kevin-improved frame, finally a functioning CB, with ChaseTruck Copper State Cruisers #40 www.desertrider.net

05-20-08, 08:28 PM	#20
White Shark IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Red Triangle TLCA# I can't remember... Posts: 2,368	I got him. He fought, but never had a chance against my superior skills. Just waiting for a body to come by.... .. Attached Images __________________ . ,,____________,, ./ ./,=========" ---------------> <")))>-< /_/ . `·.. ><((((º>`·. .· `·. .· `·... ><((((º> Speargun Power! *Bene legere saecla vincere.*

05-21-08, 06:24 AM	#21
OZCAL IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Queensland Posts: 1,006 Blog Entries: 1	Has the divemaster changed his story yet? I think we will find out he thinks he saw him surface. __________________ OZ - '97 80, 269,000 k's (Australian GXL) RHD, subtank, CDL, hand throttle, steel wheels w/Dueler 285/75/16s, cloth seats; dual batts, George's LEDs, Yakima rack CAL - '97 LX 450, 136,000 miles (US spec) stock + CDL, George's LEDs.

05-28-08, 03:08 PM	#25
Jman I m m o d e r a t o r Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: If ya don't know, I ain't tellin' Posts: 4,646	Underwater pitbulls? __________________ 87 FJ60 Don't click here Beware the beast Man, for he is the Devil's pawn. Alone among God's primates, he kills for sport or lust or greed. Yea, he will murder his brother to possess his brother's land. Let him not breed in great numbers, for he will make a desert of his home and yours. Shun him; drive him back into his jungle lair, for he is the harbinger of death. What is TUT?

05-21-08, 09:32 AM	#22
Hilux IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naked at the other end of this... TLCA# 9h9-69 Posts: 576	I'm tell'en ya'll...he's sitting on a beach somewhere earning 20% . __________________ I'm too old school, I still hold a phone to my ear... We're just one krappy Diesel away from another 30 years of gas ...the "6.2 Redo" As soon as I figure out how to make a still, I'm going to start making "Bio Gasoline" lets see, corn, sugar...copper pipe... Last edited by Hilux; 06-17-08 at 10:35 AM.

05-28-08, 03:05 PM	#24
fsusteve Givin' the Stink Eye... Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Where the tarpon roll.... TLCA# 8714 Posts: 2,213 Blog Entries: 1	update.... CHARLOTTE COUNTY: The body of a missing SCUBA diver was located by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team Wednesday afternoon. Deputies say the body of 67-year-old Dale Witt was found between seven and eight miles offshore. Now, the body will be taken to the Charlotte Medical Examiner’s office. Witt was SCUBA diving on a charter boat on May 17 when he was reported missing. A two day search was called off by various agencies as they were unable to locate the diver. __________________ Save the brow....