Ginnie Springs Diver Dies While Solo Scuba Diving
#1
Posted 31 August 2004 - 08:04 AM
Monday Aug 30, 2004 @ 11:01
Submitted by Cliff Etzel
On August 24th, a Tallahassee man drowned while solo scuba diving at Ginnie Springs, Florida.
The diver, Brian Luke Tindale, age 24, is said to have arrived with his three friends at Ginnie Springs at approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday evening to set up camp, according to Gilchrist County Sheriff David Turner. According to official reports, two of the friends went paddling in a canoe while another snorkeled behind them, and Tindale went scuba diving.
Before disappearing, Tindale told his friends he had approximately 12 minutes of air left in his tank. At 2:30 a.m., after 20 minutes without any sign of Tindale, Tindale's friends called 911, Sheriff Turner stated.
Ginnie Springs recovery divers found Tindale in a cave at Devil's Ear Spring with his mouthpiece still in place. Tindale was a certified open-water diver, but he did not have cave-diving certification, Turner said.
"Alcohol may have been a factor based on witness reports," according to authorities.
Officials stated that it would take several weeks before toxicology results are available and the investigation is continuing.
#2
Posted 31 August 2004 - 08:04 AM
#3
Posted 31 August 2004 - 08:14 AM
DSSW,
WWW™
#4
Posted 31 August 2004 - 09:05 AM
Just a plain stupid move.
--Vince Lombardi
#5
Posted 31 August 2004 - 12:42 PM
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." C. S. Lewis
#6
Posted 31 August 2004 - 12:44 PM
Doesnt the entrance to the Ginnie Springs cave have a big warning sign saying that "Do not enter without Cave Diving training. People have died here and you could to....etc". I havnt been there but I remember it said so in Burny Chowdry's - The Last Dive.
-Jack
Ah, sir, live in the bosom of the waters! There alone is independence. There I recognise no masters! There I am free.
Jules Verne. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.
#7
Posted 31 August 2004 - 12:57 PM
You sign a two page agreement explaining the dangers, you watch a video explaining the dangers, you are personally counseled by staff there explaining the dangers, there is a large sign at Devils Ear, Eye and Little Devil spring parking area saying "People have Died Here" AND there are signs at the entrance to the caves past the cavern area (at about 45 feet) telling you stay out if you are not trained and equipped. Additionally, no lights are allowed except by certified cave divers in that area (if you can't see you won't go in).A sad story, but one where the only person responsible was the diver concerned. I just hope people learn from this lesson.
Doesnt the entrance to the Ginnie Springs cave have a big warning sign saying that "Do not enter without Cave Diving training. People have died here and you could to....etc". I havnt been there but I remember it said so in Burny Chowdry's - The Last Dive.
-Jack
And still........
But again, condolences to family and friends.
#8
Posted 31 August 2004 - 01:16 PM
Very sad, but an important lesson. Stay out of caves unless you are cave certified.
Ditto that.
#9
Posted 31 August 2004 - 07:34 PM
#10
Posted 31 August 2004 - 09:16 PM
Is it posted, or written that solo diving is not allowed in the cave ? I would have to beleive it is a rule.
Sad story yes but:
1. He may have been drinking
2. he was diving solo in a cave
3. He was not certified to dive in caves
4. He went in a cave with tanks that barely had air in them
5. improper gear for cave diving
Sad but stupid, sorry to be so harsh but this is the way i see it.
Of course we dont have all the facts and hopefully there is a better reason.
Andy
#11
Posted 31 August 2004 - 09:21 PM
#12
Posted 31 August 2004 - 10:24 PM
I feel for his friends and family.
Oh, and sometimes the cave divers will go solo. Check how Chris and Chrissy Rouse checked the cave in their area. But they were trained and experienced cave divers with proper gear and all of the necessary redundancies.
#13
Posted 01 September 2004 - 01:01 PM
My condolences to the family.
SW
"The battle of the sexes cannot be won; there is too much fraternization with the enemy" - Henry Kissinger
#14
Posted 01 September 2004 - 01:13 PM
yes, but the sign can't check C-cards, or push idiots back out of the cave.A sad story, but one where the only person responsible was the diver concerned. I just hope people learn from this lesson.
Doesnt the entrance to the Ginnie Springs cave have a big warning sign saying that "Do not enter without Cave Diving training. People have died here and you could to....etc". I havnt been there but I remember it said so in Burny Chowdry's - The Last Dive.
-Jack
#15
Posted 01 September 2004 - 02:04 PM
When I dove Ginnie Springs with Walter in May, we witnessed something dangerous and stupid. A snorkler dove down to the cavern entrance, about 15 feet under, and one of the divers let him take a big breath from his octopus. The snorkler proceeded to swim quickly the surface, holding his breath the entire time. !! It is a wonder the guy didn't blow a lung.
The irony is that the diver should have known better, but it's the snorkler who could have paid the price for his error.
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