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2001-10-26 Incident

RescueOrRecoveryOrNearMiss = Recovery
TodaysDate = 11/02/01
TimeOfAccident = 1900 ? I THINK 1900, NOT 1930, THE CORRECT TIME IS WHEN THE 911 CALL WENT IN
DateOfAccident = 10/26/01
County/State/Country = Jackson County, FL
a_NameOfAccidentSite = Jackson Blue
DateRecoveryStarted = performed at time of incident (10/26/01)
TimeRecoveryStarted =
AgeOfVictim = 46
SexOfVictim = Male
VictimsHighestCertLevel = Full Cave
CertAgency = NACD
DateOfTraining =
YrsExperienceDiving = at least 35 years
TotalNumberOfDives = 500+
NumberOfDivesThisYear = 50+
TrainedInCaveDiving = Yes
CaveDivingTrainingAgency = NACD
DateOfCaveDivingTraining =
YearsExperienceCaveDiving = 6+
TotalNumberOfCaveDives = 200+
NumberOfCaveDivesInLastYear =
NumberOfDivesAtThisLocation = 25+
DatesOfDivesAtThisLocation =
MaximumDepthAtLocation = 97
DivePartnersExperience = 10 years
OriginalDivePlan = fun dive around circuit w/ scooters
MaximumKnownDepth = 94
WaterTemp = 68
DepthBodyFound = 20′
DistanceToNearestExit = 20′
DescriptionOfSiltInArea = none
NormalVizDistance = 150′
VizDuringRecovery = 150′
WeatherConditionsAtTimeOfAccident = good
EntryConditionsAtSite = good
WetOrDrySuit = dry
FullOrShorty =
ConditionOfSuit =
Hood = yes
Gloves = no
Booties =
WeightBelt = NONE
PoundsKilosOfWeight =
BuoyancyCompensator = HALCYON 55 LB.WINGS/ALUMINUM HARNESS
BCType =
DegreeOfBCInflation = LOW (DIR)
Mask =
LocationOfMask = face
ContentsOfMask = 1/4 WATER, BLOOD ON SURFACE BUT NOT MIXED
Fins =
TypeOfFins = jet fins
TapedFins = spring straps
Snorkel = no
Knife = small
LocationOfKnife = waist band
NumberOfTanks = 4
SizeOfTanks = 95s, 80 stage, 40 deco
TankMaterial = steel, Al
TankPosition = back
FillPressureAtStartOfDive = 3300,3000,500
PressureAtRecovery = 3000, 750, 0
TankValveConfiguration = iso manifold, K, K
PositionOfIsolationValve = open
NumberOfRegulators = 4
BrandOfRegulators =
Octopus = long hose
LongHose = yes, DIR
RegsFunctionalAtScene = yes
GeneralConditionOfRegulators = good
StatusOfValveOpening = all open
PressureGauge =
PSIReadingOnGauge = 3000
NumberOfLights = 3
TypeOfLights = EE canister, 2 EE bu
LightsOperational = yes
LocationOfLights = DIR
NumberOfReels = TWO
TypeOfReels = SAFETY, JUMP
ReelsDeployed = NO
LocationOfReels = DIR
DistanceFromGuideline = cavern
GuidelineCondition =
DepthGaugeType =
VictimsDepthGaugeReading =
Slate =
Tables =
NumberOfComputers = ONE (WORN AS BOTTOM TIMER AND FOR DIVE PROFILE)
TypeOfComputers = ALADDIN I THINK
ComputerData =
AddtionalDescriptionOfEquipment

Deco bottle valve was observed loose when retrieved to the surface. On a partial vacuum pull, his deco bottle was 13% oxygen, 43% helium, 44% nitrogen. The deco tank was a yellow AL40 with no markings except a piece of gray duct tape. In blue ink and large letters it said 500 psi. What [the victim and the victim’s buddy] missed was that he had also written along one side in a different pen and small letters, “100% he 3/??/01” This was described to me by the medical examiner, I don’t remember the day so put in the ??. The side note was faint, but was picked up by an officer looking at his tank with a flashlight.

EquipmentLoaned = no except for stage bottle and doubles
LoanedFromWho = doubles from Mike Menard
OverallConditionOfEquipment = good
BodyState

found in deco w/ head down and feet up with SOME WATER AND BLOOD IN MASK. Taken to surface, pulseless, mouth-to-mouth starter in water, CPR on shore, EMS arrived and took over. Medical examiner report showed no lung damage.

ReportPreparedBy = Scott Hunsucker (additional info provided by Dave Smith, medical examiners report, etc.)
PreparersAddress

840 Romar Drive
Pensacola, FL 32534

RecoveryTeamMembers

Dave Smith
713-660-7516

Larry Ficker
828-230-7029

William Lentz
UNK

Mike Menard
713 962-1960 ADDED BY ME

Bjarne Knudsen
352 379-1450 ADDED BY ME

OfficerInCharge

Jason McAlpin (filed report)
850-482-9648
Lt. Daniels OIC