Provisional report on diving-related fatalities in Australian waters 2000

Abstract

A total of 16 fatalities were identified from official sources as having occurred during 2000. Nine deaths were in association with freediving or snorkelling and five with scuba. There was also one death where surface-supply air was involved, and one where the equipment used was not clearly identified. The investigation of many of the first group did not, in fact, proceed to a coroner's inquest but the investigation documentation is available. The case summaries are presented with attention to the diver performance, equipment and medical factors. Important adverse factors are identified and discussed for each of these groups, with comments on possibilities for reducing the number of fatalities that occur. Many of the factors involved in these tragedies have recurred time and time again in the case histories reported over many years from Project Stickybeak