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Scuba diver dies in waters off Kahala

A man believed to be in his mid-40s died today after he was found unresponsive in waters off the Kahala Hotel and Resort.

According to an Emergency Medical Services report, lifeguards used a rescue watercraft to reach the man, a scuba diver, aboard an Island Divers Hawaii boat around 10 a.m.

Lifeguards began CPR while the patient was brought to a dock.

Paramedics took over the treatment and provided advanced life support while taking him to the hospital, where he later died.

17 responses to “Scuba diver dies in waters off Kahala”

  1. HanabataDays says:

    Someone being “found unresponsive” while apparently on a dive company trip is unusual. Maybe it’s just the terminology, but nobody on that kind of trip should ever have to be “found” no matter what their condition.

    “Became unresponsive” is what I’d expect, signifying that someone observed that transition.

    • kiragirl says:

      Problem is customers sign a waiver absolving the company of liability. Hence, the amount of employees is insufficient so cannot keep an eye on all their customers. Greed. This ocean activity should be regulated and I hope the USCG fine this company. Hope the diver recovers.

      • Cellodad says:

        All dive companies have waivers of liability. Decisions vary by State and jurisdiction but there are cases where waivers are not enforceable. Those are usually when there is evidence of negligence on the part of the company and/or its employees. The dive boats that I’ve gone out on here on Oahu and the Big Island (I have three favorites, one here, one in Kona, and one out of Waikoloa) all adhere to USCG regulations and all follow DAN best practices. (for example, having proper emergency equipment and people trained to use it and providing good pre-dive briefings.) Generally speaking, the SCUBA industry in Hawaii is pretty good, boat captains are certified and competent, and the Dive Masters are properly trained and certified.

        I’ve been on several boat dives out of Kewalo with my favorite dive shop people where for one reason or another, the Dive Master has made the call to end a dive or not go down in a particular area. This kind of attention to safety is always appreciated.

        • den says:

          color your hair lately punk?

        • kiragirl says:

          Mahalo for the info. I am certified and it is beyond me that people who may not have any diving experience can scuba dive in a pre crash course presentation. Long ago in Kona, a large couple from the mainland tried. Boat captain said I could do whatever I want since I am certified (no buddy system). Anyway, the female was okay but the big guy was horrified. Captain told him to just pull on the anchor line. I thought, what if the big guy panicked and knocked out the instructor then something bad could have happened. And yes, if negligent, a waive will not do anything. Have a nice weekend.

        • Cellodad says:

          Thank you kira, and you also. (we finally got everything cleaned up from Thanksgiving.) I agree with you completely about putting people with little or no training in potentially dangerous situations. There are inherent dangers in SCUBA and the prudent way to deal with them is through training and experience.

        • Cellodad says:

          Hey David, I’m happy that they released you for the Holidays. I hope your Holiday Season is happy and rewarding.

        • den says:

          kiragirl don’t thank that punk troll.
          all he does is lie when he’s not insulting people on
          these comment boards.

          and who the eff is David?

    • Cellodad says:

      David, please. If I can help, let me know. I’d rather not have to speak with Dr. Sorenson again. Please contact me via message.

  2. paniolo says:

    My deepest ALOHA to his ohana.

  3. Carang_da_buggahz says:

    A close friend of mine lost his wife 2 years ago in Puerto Rico. She had a heart attack while they were scuba diving. So, yes, it can happen at the worst possible time. Condolences to the family.

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