Octogenarian dies following scuba dive off coast of GT
(CNS): An 81-year-old man who was visiting the Cayman Islands from the United Stated died at the weekend after diving off Sunset House. Police said the emergency services responded to a call at around 9:45 on Sunday morning (17 July) that a man was unconscious after he had encountered difficulties while underwater. The man was transported to the Cayman Islands Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:25am, police stated.
Category: Local News
Something to be said about dying doing something one loves……
I think it beats a slow death in a nursing home with a diaper full of $%#@ and 3 marbles rolling around in your head.
The gentleman did not die off shore of Sunset House. He was on a organized boat dive, to which came to Sunset House for transfer to Emergency Services. He was an Advanced Open Water Diver with over 500 dives. Condolences to all his loved ones and the group he was a part of on their dive holiday.
Don’t they have an age limit for diving? Why a 81 years old would you think that is a good idea.
Condolences to the family.
So you would prefer if older people just stay in their homes and do nothing in case they die in public?
-Isme
No you reject. You’re clearly missing the point. Diving is high risk for someone at that age is all I was getting at.
By being born you assume all risks and benefits of living.
Crossing the street is high risk. Using a bath tub is high risk. So what is your point exactly? Divers know the risk. Skiers know the risk. Skydivers know the risk. He chose to go diving. You want someone to stop people from making free choices about how to spend their time as they get on in years?
You are right. I am missing your point. Please share it.
-Isme
PS – Jean-Michel Cousteau is currently 78. Should we ban him from diving in the Cayman Islands based on his age? Buzz Aldrin is 86 and Charlie Duke is 80. Shall we ban them also based on age?
What is the point of growing older if people start dictating to you what you are allowed to do?
-Isme
Quite right Isme, it’s a personal choice.
I pulled the plug on diving at 61 because there were slight indications of oedema, basically a persistent non-productive cough and swollen ankles. Two years later that had all cleared up naturally without medical intervention and four years on it hasn’t reappeared but my choice is still not to resume scuba diving. I’d been a PADI MSDT for 14 years and seen what happens when people make the wrong decision so I didn’t want to join the list.
I don’t want to be seen to be commenting on this incident because it would be grossly disrespectful to the gentleman’s family but during my career customers came into the dive centre, signed a waiver that they were fit and taking no medication then stuffed half a pharmacy down their throat before going diving. In the UK I’m going to need medical clearance to retain my driver’s license after 70. As a pilot I’ve needed an ECG to remain current since turning 40. There has to be a point at which for simple reasons like insurance dive operators need to introduce addition medical checks over and above the PADI waiver. At the end of the day when we (writing this as a former instructor) take them diving we take responsibility for bringing them all back safely and if you forget that you’re in the wrong business.
As for the comments about dying doing what you loved to do? If I kick off suddenly I want a healthy young woman to be part of the scenario.
You are too much!!. Also here in Cayman some car insurance companies request a medical after turning seventy. I understand persons want to live their normal lives but it is also responsibility of the dive company to be vigilant. I suppose once some one/ company is hit with a law suit everyone will take notice. However if the elderly is relatively healthy, then more power to them. It is so beautiful out there I can understand not wanting to give it up. Condolences to the family.
Be vigilant? So dive operators need to start predicting when people might die and then prevent them from diving accordingly? It’s up to individuals to take personal responsibility for their health decisions and for dive operators to take reasonable precautions, which they do. Sometimes it’s just a person’s time to go and the diving has nothing to do with it.
-Isme
And that poor young lady would have to live with the guilt of &@&##&$ you to death.
Condolences to the family. How many this year?
Death is inevitable. He died doing what he loved to do. Beats slow death from cancer. May he RIP.
Seriously have to agree with you….so true.
Yes. Cancer sucks. Organs get destroyed to the point of not functioning, until systemic failure.
Again? Condolences to the family.