UK MCA: Diving Incidents Drop to Lowest Level

UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported that the number of diving incidents has fallen to its lowest level in 21 years.

There were 136 incidents in 2013, which included 10 fatalities.

The most common incident was decompression illness, with 44 cases recorded last year. A further 21 incidents were down to rapid ascent, which is likely to have developed into decompression illness.

Other calls in 2013 included lost and or missing divers, broken down vessels and divers with other medical problems.

Now with the Easter holidays approaching, divers are once again being reminded of essential safety advice.

Ken Bazeley, the Coastguard’s National Diving Liaison Officer, said: “The number of diving incidents has fallen to their lowest level since 1992, but still last year we saw 10 diving fatalities. We will continue to strive for a reduction in fatalities and serious injury. The key message for divers is to remember to make a slow ascent, perform a safety stop and have sufficient air, gas for the dive, with enough in reserve. We hope divers make use of the upcoming Easter break to get out and explore the rich marine life around our coasts, but please dive within your limits.”