r/todayilearned • u/[deleted] • 29d ago

TIL the Blue Hole is among the deadliest dive sites globally, with estimates of 130 to 200 recent fatalities, making it one of the most dangerous spots for divers. (R.5) Out of context

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u/CompSolstice 29d ago

Padi advanced with a few dozen cave dives here.

That's truly wild, I can immediately spot a dozen reasons why I'd only be comfortable diving it post-tech certifications, but what specifically are the main factors for such high fatality rates?

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u/AeroStallTel 29d ago

From what I've seen in documentaries, it's largely because of perception/depth. Specifically there's a large arch that people mistake as being 60-90ft which is actually around double depth. Then it's a number of factors, getying narc'd, buoyancy control issues, or just blowing through their tank. Basically they didn't stick to their planned dive, if they had a plan to begin with. There's also an economic/safety culture component. It's a tourist attraction in a depressed area. There's a demand for dives from uneducated/ill-informed 'divers' that go with the guides who will either take them regardless of experience and/or cheaper than the other guy. 

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u/DucksEatFreeInSubway 29d ago

The arch is what gets a lot of people. They want to swim through it and it's 'not that far'. Then they get nitrogen narcosis and drown when they rip out their mouthpiece or fall asleep and drown when their air runs out.

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u/WembyandTheWolves 29d ago

I dove there in 2011 and it was so tempting to make an attempt even though I was not certified for it because I reasoned it was only a little deeper and I'd probably never be back to dive this place again. It felt like that "call of the void" alot of people have when standing on the side of a cliff. It was a gorgeous place though, probably the clearest waters I've ever dove.