According to a report in Pulse Tasmania, a combination of significant drug use, improper equipment, and lack of diving experience led to the drowning of a 38-year-old man off Tasmania’s north-east coast in early 2023.
Marc Edward Hay lost his life while free diving near The Gardens between February 12 and 13, as outlined in findings by Coroner Simon Cooper. The investigation revealed that Hay was an inexperienced diver who may have been searching for crayfish or abalone without appropriate permits.
Toxicology results showed Hay had substantial levels of cannabis, MDMA, and methylamphetamine in his system. Coroner Cooper noted these substances “undoubtedly contributed” to the fatal incident.
In addition to drug impairment, Hay’s diving setup posed safety concerns. He was wearing a wetsuit, fins, a face mask, and a weight belt—but no scuba gear. The coroner highlighted that his weight belt was disproportionately heavy for his wetsuit, reducing buoyancy and making it harder for him to resurface.
An autopsy also uncovered signs of myocardial fibrosis—scarring of the heart muscle—which may have been another contributing factor to his death.
While Coroner Cooper did not issue any formal safety recommendations, he emphasized the inherent risks of diving under the influence of drugs.
“It hardly needs to be said that diving—or indeed swimming—after ingesting considerable amounts of illicit drugs is an inherently dangerous activity,” he said.
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