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#15342
A father and son who went diving on Christmas Day
scott - 12/27/2013 3:32 PM
Category: Training
Replies: 10

nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/Aut...stmas-237291981.html
#1600
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lerpy - 12/27/2013 6:48 PM
From the looks of things there were a lot of ongoing mistakes in this situation. From some reports I have read and discussions in cave country these two may have been temping fate and going into caves on a regular basis. Some information that appears to come from the recovery team indicate that computers showed a max depth of 223 on air. It really is maddening to think that a person was taking these chances, especially with their child. Hopefully however there is a take away from this tragedy, that with the news of this going international, that divers of all skill are reminded to dive within not only your limits, but your buddies limits.
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LatitudeAdjustment - 12/28/2013 10:22 AM
Saw this on the local TV down there but as usual the news was light on details and didn’t mention that neither was cave certified. This is one case where the instructor won’t get sued by the family.
#15342
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scott - 12/28/2013 10:39 AM
This is indeed a shame. I know 15-year-old boys are venturesome, carefree and in have very little fear. We are all lacking details and have plenty of speculation but some of these details we can judge on. I didn’t realize max depth on his computer was 223 feet. That just invites narcosis for him if not both of them. I’m sure we’ve all done dives and push the limits but, good morning dad what we’re you thinking. Regardless of the experience they both had, being certified has a lot of merit. What may have saved his life was one thing he retained from the course.
Ray, you make a good point this country is so lawsuit happy. It’s a shame the judicial system doesn’t give credit for the people trying their best to make you life pleasant but instead punishes them in events like this. Well I guess I’ll get my inder Ice cert renewed tomorrow.
#744
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dive7mmwet - 12/29/2013 4:24 PM
First this is so sad of a story! second cute kid!
3rd dumb dead dad!
lets wait and see for more information we can tell OOA will be one,
knowing the system they died in 223’ was not generated on this dive MISS INFORMATION taken out of context, I think, may have been read on sons dive computer or may of been dad’s from previous dives IMO
The photo of both of them caught my eye with the HOG / DIR on a kid and yes at 15 they can be AOW and yes can get a cave cert and so on and yes in Florida you dive,you fish kind of natural things but such a sad story to see a dad one who is to protect their children do something like this we will have to wait for more answers MY Our Thoughts / condolences as no words can help with such a tragic loss! our thoughts and best wishes are with the survivors, my son a teenager diver also so close to home
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tardmaster - 12/30/2013 6:57 PM
As usual, SEVERAL bad decisions lead to this sad, sad and tragic accident. ONE correct decision might have avoided this whole calamity. Dive your training people. However adventurous you are, cockiness can get killed !!!
#305
Cheshirecat - 1/02/2014 9:58 PM
Just read this story after searching for some possible diving in the upcoming weeks in the Tampa area. Another article quotes the rescue diver, Robert Brooks, who recovered the bodies. He knew the father and had even told him, "One day they’re going to call me to come get you..." (tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/hernando-county-au...ssing-divers/2158541)

Spivey’s father is requesting to have the site closed for diving. I like what the author of this Tampa Bay Times article has to say (tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/after-ea...tural-wonder/2159148)

I always hate hearing about the loss of a diver. Especially one with a deep passion for the sport. So very sad. I am a fairly new diver and I am very, very cautious about all aspects of my planned dives. My 17 year old daughter received her certification just before I received mine and I could not imagine thinking that I would take her into the diving environment without a full spectrum of training for both myself and her.
#4355
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caves4me - 1/03/2014 5:12 AM
Obviously there’s been a loss in the diving community and it’s an eye opener! Lack of training and no training were contributing factors! Cave diving training is very crucial for survival in the overhead environment. If the father had made right decision by seeking out training they both would be a live today!
#2079
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rashley - 2/11/2014 8:45 PM
I wish I had more details. It is always sad when we lose one of our own, but if we can learn from it, then, well, you know what I mean.

Can’t believe that anyone would take an uncertified diver, cave diving. Simply unbelievable.
#4355
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caves4me - 2/12/2014 3:35 AM
I think the reports from the newspapers were pretty accurate!