2nd Stage Failure
Incident Date
1968-09-05
Incident Description
1968 White Lady Cave - A diver developed a second stage leak in a restricted muddy sump and had to return by manually controlling his air supply. He gave the alarm signal but the standby diver was unable to get through the constriction.
Lessons Learned
Do not rely on buddy diving techniques in constricted sumps. Be aware that two divers in a single constricted sump should be considered to be a team of solo divers. Practice the solo diving and team-solo theories and techniques to cope with such situations.
| Factors |
|
| Line Management |
Negligible |
| Gas Management |
Negligible |
| Equipment Management |
Minor |
| Equipment Failure |
Major |
| Training |
Minor |
| Medical |
Negligible |
| Planning |
Minor |
| Procedural Error |
Negligible |
| Cave Environment |
Negligible |
| Weather |
Negligible |
| Other Factor |
Unknown |
