An inquest into the death of a Belgian technical diver has provided detailed insight into a fatal deep wreck dive off the coast of County Donegal, highlighting how a complex chain of physiological factors can unfold even during a well-planned and professionally executed dive.
The hearing at Letterkenny Courthouse examined the events of July 22, 2024, when the diver lost his life during an expedition to the wreck of HMS Viknor, lying at a depth of approximately 83 metres. Reporting from the proceedings, including coverage by Donegal Live, outlined the sequence of events and the conclusions reached by the coroner.
A Structured Technical Dive
Evidence presented to the inquest confirmed that the dive was part of a structured technical diving trip, undertaken by an experienced group using appropriate equipment, including rebreathers and staged decompression procedures.
The group had completed multiple dives in the days leading up to the incident, with no reported issues. The planned profile for the HMS Viknor dive included a period at depth followed by an extended decompression phase lasting several hours.
There was no indication prior to the dive that conditions or preparation were outside expected parameters.
Signs of Distress During Ascent
The inquest heard that the dive progressed as planned during the bottom phase. The situation began to change during ascent, where fellow divers identified signs of distress.
Evidence indicated that the diver became increasingly unsettled and unresponsive to standard underwater communication. Assistance was provided by other members of the team, including attempts to supply alternative gas and stabilise the ascent.
As the ascent continued, the diver’s condition deteriorated, with symptoms consistent with severe respiratory distress. The situation escalated despite intervention.
Emergency Response Underwater and at the Surface
Divers initiated emergency procedures as the situation became critical, prioritising bringing the diver safely to the surface while attempting to maintain control during the ascent.
On reaching the surface, immediate resuscitation efforts were undertaken, including CPR and oxygen administration. Emergency services were alerted, and a coastguard helicopter was deployed.
Despite sustained efforts by both the dive team and emergency responders, the diver could not be revived.
Inquest Findings
The inquest considered testimony from divers, the vessel operator, and expert witnesses, alongside post-mortem results.
The coroner recorded:
- Cause of death: drowning
- Conclusion: death by natural causes
- Probable contributing factor: immersion pulmonary oedema (IPO)
IPO is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs during immersion, impairing breathing and potentially leading to rapid loss of function underwater.
Importantly, the inquest found:
- No evidence of equipment failure
- No indication of gas supply issues
- No signs of external injury or trauma
Expert testimony indicated that the available evidence pointed toward a physiological event rather than a mechanical or procedural failure.
A Complex Physiological Event
One of the key themes of the inquest was the difficulty in identifying a single definitive trigger.
While immersion pulmonary oedema was identified as the most likely contributing factor, the exact sequence of physiological events could not be fully established.
The coroner acknowledged that, despite detailed examination of the evidence, some uncertainty remains inherent in diving incidents of this nature.
Factors Considered by the Inquest
The hearing explored a range of potential contributing factors, including:
- Physiological stress during ascent
- The impact of hydration levels prior to the dive
- Respiratory function under pressure
- The diver’s response to developing symptoms underwater
Expert evidence suggested that excessive fluid intake prior to diving may increase susceptibility to IPO, with recommendations favouring gradual hydration over a longer period.
Response of the Dive Team
The inquest also reviewed the actions taken by those present during the incident.
Evidence confirmed that:
- Assistance was provided promptly underwater
- Emergency procedures were initiated without delay
- Surface response and medical intervention were immediate
The overall response was found to be consistent with expected training and best practice in a complex and rapidly evolving situation.
Understanding the Wider Implications
The findings highlight an important reality within technical diving.
Even with:
- Careful planning
- Appropriate equipment
- Experienced divers
- Established procedures
There remain risks that are physiological rather than technical, and not always predictable or preventable.
Cases involving immersion pulmonary oedema continue to present challenges for divers and researchers alike, particularly in deep or demanding dive profiles.
A Case Without a Simple Answer
The inquest ultimately concluded that the death resulted from drowning linked to a natural physiological event, with no evidence of equipment or procedural failure.
While the sequence of events has been carefully examined, the precise initiating cause could not be definitively identified.
For the diving community, the case reinforces the importance of continued awareness around conditions such as IPO and the limits of current understanding when it comes to complex physiological responses underwater.
Editorial Note
Following a request from the family, this article has been updated to remove the diver’s name and to focus on the findings of the inquest.
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