Diving death on Little Cayman
(CNS): A 70-year-old diver, who was visiting from the US, died this morning, Monday 13 September, around 10:45am following a diving trip off Little Cayman. Police reported Monday evening that the female visitor from Texas got into difficulties while scuba diving in the waters off Little Cayman. CPR was implemented by the district nurse but to avail. She was transported to Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac, where she was found to be dead on arrival. It appears that she was not travelling with any family or friends. Police say enquiries into the death are ongoing.
Category: Local News
I just lost my boss for diving accrdent in Caymen. It is a tragic accident. She was only 52 years old. She was a beautiful and smart women. My codolescense go out to her family.
I have lived here over 3 years now and almost every month have heard of a fatal water sports/swimming/diving accident in Cayman. To me, I consider it the most dangerous place to dive due to the fatalities. It is way past due to have this industry better regulated by stricter safety standards, regular training done throughout the island, posting lifeguards, and other life saving measures. My condolences to the family and to all the other families who have lost their loved ones in Cayman waters.
Whatever the reason, be it age, health, etc. I have noted the same concern right here on CNS about a year or so ago.
I think there is a need for concern and the matter-of-fact way these frequent deaths are mentioned, and then quickly forgotten baffles me.
I’m not sure 20:18 is totally wrong. It is certainly my impression that the majority of these diving deaths that I hear about are elderly people. I would dare say I’ve paid close attention over the years because I have friends who have been coming here for over twenty five years to dive and some of them are now well into their seventies. My heart is in my mouth for two months of the year because I personally don’t think any of them are fit enough to be diving. I have voiced my concerns but I can’t stop them, however, I certainly think that some of the dive operators need to be more careful who they take down. All of my friends have health issues yet no-one seems to mind. Chances are, anyone seventy and over, unless you are a real health/fitness buff (and let’s face it, most people aren’t) will have some health issue, however minor.
I remember hearing one of our longtime local dive masters voice his concern during a radio discussion some time ago. As is the case in all areas of life, there is always room for improvement. My condolences to the family.
Some of us old folks in our twilight years know how to read a waiver and release. We are well aware of the dangers and happily sign away any liability on the part of the divemasters. Quit hovering, kid!
Actually most of them are in their 50’s. We just never know when we will go. Condolences to the family.
Condolences to the family of this unfortunate gentleman. However, I think it is high time for our dive operators to seriously consider placing an upper age limit on who they permit to dive. While not all accidents have involved what could be considered ‘elderly’ persons, I am sure that the stats will show that the majority of dive deaths fall within that age range.
Obviously more has to be done to avoid such accidents.
Don’t be ridiculous, if I’m 70 years old and want to go diving, then I’m going diving. In fact the dive accident stats do not show any such thing, so stop making stuff up!
Also, try reading the article properly and you’ll find it was a lady, not a gentleman.
First off, it wasn’t a "Gentleman" that passed away…the story clearly states multiple times that it was a FEMALE.
Second, it’s not up to local dive operators to say who can & can’t dive based simply on someone’s age. Age is only a number.
There are 70 years olds in much better physical shape than some people many years their junior.
If a person is a qualified diver and holds a current dive certification with PADI (or similar) – then dive operators can’t just decide to not allow them to dive because they’re "too old".
This is an unfortunate incident, and prayers go out to the deceased divers family. I’m sure it was hard on the crew of the dive operator as well.
well at least she died doing something she liked…..that’s a nice way to go. rest in peace