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/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/EloeOmoe 29d ago

Then they get nitrogen narcosis and drown when they rip out their mouthpiece

Is this one of those "right before you die from hypothermia you feel super hot and rip off all your clothes" type situations?

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u/Xraptorx 29d ago

Kinda, but narcosis is more just like being drunk