Posted by Patrick B. Smith on August 29, 2000 at 11:37:29:
In Reply to: Re: Fatality at Casino Point? 8/28/00 conversations posted by Don Lake on August 28, 2000 at 22:42:14:
Having spent all day with Dan Purdie's family and some time with a Sheriff's investigator, I can say that there is no evidence that supports Dan's entanglement and uncontrolled ascent with the lift bag. The facts as known are: 1)about 9 minutes into the dive the liftbag and recovered anchor came up. 2) Several minutes after that the twin tanks with BC came up without Dan. 3) Baywatch Avalon responded VERY quickly - on scene within four minutes. 4) Recovery was made from 130+ feet of water. 5)CPR and other efforts including recompression at the isthmus facility were to no avail. THAT IS ALL THAT IS KNOWN AT THIS TIME. Further speculation at this time is just that - speculation. Further information may be gained after autopsy and examination of the gear. One final note, Dan was a VERY competent, methodical, practiced, skilled and cautious diver with over 30 years experience. His loss will be felt for a long time by his family and those of us who knew him.
Patrick B. Smith