Incident Report

1970-01-01Swimming along line halfway between 20 and 22 on routine/regular trip to 22/23.Diver experienced sudden onset of previously unknown symptoms of claustrophobia and fear. This led to usual dump of adrenaline, rapid large increase in heart rate and consequently breathing rate. Diver in turn finned under marginal control / blind panic to 22. After a considerable period of time, diver managed to regain control enough to dive out. Diver also experienced similar symptoms shortly after entering a dry cave a few days later.At the time I had been experiencing a high level of mental stress due to business problems and foolishly considered, that this would have no impact on my ability to cave or cave dive. I consider myself very lucky to have survived this incident. I also feel that this is a neglected hazard with cave diving one that should receive more publicity. It might also explain some unexplained incidents where divers have been found drowned with fully functioning equipment and no other obvious problems.