Devastating Scuba Accidents Off the Florida Coast That Have Caused Catastrophic Injury or Death
Few Florida tourists expect to be involved in a tragic accident during a dive or snorkeling excursion. Unfortunately, these accidents happen and result in unimaginable pain and suffering for their family. Scuba accidents can happen for several reasons, including operator inexperience, inattention, or negligence.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a diving accident in Miami or along the South Florida coast, contact Mase Mebane Seitz for a free consultation. Our experienced trial lawyers have obtained millions of dollars on behalf of injured parties and their families. Call our office at (305) 487-8863 to discuss your legal options.
Fatal Palm Beach Dive Accident
On March 29, 2020, a 37-year-old woman was killed on a dive excursion when she was sucked under the boat and into the propellers, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Her widower is now pursuing a wrongful death claim against the scuba company that operated the dive trip. It was only the third time that the operator had taken the boat out, which had mechanical problems on both of the previous trips.
The incident occurred just after the couple had completed their dive and signaled for the dive boat to retrieve them. The operator, who allegedly had previous difficulty maneuvering the boat, put it in reverse causing both divers to become “entangled in the propellers.”
2 Killed and 1 Injured During Florida’s Lobster Mini-Season
Two men were killed and one was injured while diving for spiny lobsters during the 2021 mini-season. As reported in the TCPalm, a 35-year-old man died after struggling in the water just before a planned dive.
Another man died after going into cardiac arrest, and a third person was severely injured while diving for lobsters after the diver was hit by a boat’s propeller. The man had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital due to the severity of the leg injury.
Missing Diver’s Body Found Near Vandenberg Wreckage Off Key West
In March 2021, the body of a diver was found near the Vandenberg shipwreck off Key West. Jordan Jay Fisher of Rockport, Texas was scuba diving with her husband, two other divers, and a divemaster when the tragedy occurred. She was missing for a day before her body was found.
NBC Miami reports that the group of divers lost sight of Fisher after the dive master signaled for them to return to the surface. The shipwreck has been the site of numerous fatal dive accidents, including the recent death of a 50-year-old man.
Woman Dies in Florida Keys Snorkeling Accident
A 61-year-old woman died during a snorkeling excursion in the Florida Keys, according to the Patch. Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman died after becoming unresponsive during the trip.
In an unrelated matter, a 21-year-old diver had to be rescued after returning to the surface unconscious and not breathing. She was later transported to the hospital as a result of her injuries.
Injured in a Diving Accident? Contact Mase Mebane Seitz for a Free Consultation.
Diving is a popular tourist activity in South Florida, but there are several dangers that divers must be aware of. Diving accidents can be caused by several factors, including equipment failure, operator negligence, and inadequate safety measures.
If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in a diving accident, contact Mase Mebane Seitz for a free consultation. We may be able to help you obtain compensation for your losses. Call (305) 487-8863 to get started.