Incident Report

2026-02-13Diver 1 (QD) and Diver 2 (TD) entered the water at a Forest of Dean dive site well known for the compromised visibility at dive base due to high iron-oxide content of the site. Both Divers were wearing 2x 12l cylinders for a dive expected to reach 30+m in depth depending on conditions. Diver 2 cylinders were rigged with a "travel band" system (Camband with attached bolt snap and upper attachment on tape webbing) as diver was still sourcing jubilee bands for permanent use. Travel bands were setup with the cam attachment close to divers body to minimise opportunity to create a line trap. Diver 1 entered sump first deploying a primary line from dive base to the first belay on the fixed line. Descending in low visibility, Diver 2 lost line awareness causing the primary line to track between cylinder and left leg. In doing so the line managed to separate the velcro holding the tail of the camband, allowing the line to pass through and the velcro to close afterwards. Whilst attempting to free this entrapment (just below the attachment point to divers harness) in now zero visibility, Diver 2 managed to bring left arm under line resulting in the primary line tracking up and over their shoulder. Diver 2 descended to the floor of the passage, remained calm and prepared a cutting device. Diver 2 was very aware of copious gas reserves (incident was at approximately 2m depth and at the start of dive) and elected to stop and wait knowing visibility would improve. Diver 2 was also mindful that Diver 1 was further along the line and did not want to compromise their exit. Realising that Diver 2 was delayed at the first navigation decision, Diver 1 returned in now improving visibility to see Diver 2 calm, signalling there was a problem and showing they had access to a cutting device if needed. Initial inspection by Diver 1 implied that the primary line was "impossibly" trapped inside the camband; but further inspection highlighted the velcro entrapment. Diver 1 was able to reach around Diver 2's cylinder, free the velcro (and line) before redressing velcro. Dive continued having only been delayed for a couple of mins. Diver replaced the travel bands with stainless steel jubilee bands straight after the incident. Consideration should be give the divers ability to access and resolve any entrapment location regardless of how "unlikely" it is deemed possible. Where ever practical eliminate rather than mitigate the risk of entrapment.