A scuba diver who was abandoned in the sea near Perth when his vessel departed unexpectedly has applauded the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for investigating the matter.
Ian, who has had their last name omitted for confidentiality purposes, was among the two individuals saved by a nearby Rottnest Ferry Following several hours approximately two to three nautical miles offshore on March 2.
Ian stated that it was crucial for the AMSA investigation to uncover what had occurred.
"I place my complete trust in our regulator, AMSA, to conduct a thorough investigation into how and why we were abandoned by our dive boat," Ian stated.
Although it's common to look for quick solutions, I encourage everybody to refrain from making judgments until the complete AMSA report is available.
In spite of the stringent headcounts and roll-call procedures instructed by diving organizations, such incidents continue to occur.
Although the problem might have resulted from human mistake or poor communication, he pointed out that dive boat operators bear considerable accountability when it comes to ensuring divers’ safety.
He stated that when divers rely on a dive operator for their safety, they are entitled to expect that appropriate protocols will be adhered to.
Neglecting to verify each diver’s presence before departing from the location is unacceptable, and we must take away valuable lessons from this.
I am confident that AMSA's findings will aid in bolstering safety protocols and avoiding subsequent accidents.
AMSA stated in a press release issued on Wednesday that they would intervene should a violation be detected.
"AMSA places great importance on the safety of both passengers and crew members and will not shy away from taking immediate and robust measures if any violations of safety rules or protocols are detected," the statement read.
fortunate salvation by the ferry team
The ABC has learned that Ian and another individual were seen in the water by someone onboard a Rottness ferry which was heading back to Hillarys.
It is known that the divers had spent several hours underwater after the vessel they were with went back to land without them.
James Mulholland, who is the director of Rottnest Fast Ferries, stated that the men were retrieved from the water and brought to land.
The ABC was informed that one of the men subsequently went to the hospital.
The gentlemen were participating in a diving excursion organized by the Perth Diving Academy, which operates out of Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Upon being contacted by ABC Radio Perth, Perth Diving Academy director Troy Lane initially declined to comment but later stated that everyone was safe and "no one perished."
The incident mirrors the case of the American tourists Tom and Eileen Lonergan, who were accidentally remained behind during a scuba diving excursion in North Queensland way back in 1998 .
Even after an extensive search, their remains were never discovered.
