Two divers were rescued approximately 5km off Mindarie, a coastal suburb north of Perth, Western Australia, after their boat drifted away while they were underwater during a diving excursion. The incident occurred after the divers surfaced to find their anchored vessel no longer visible, prompting them to swim to a nearby fishing boat for assistance.
Incident Details
The two individuals, identified as Ryan Chapman and a companion, had anchored their vessel for free diving and scuba diving. After approximately one hour in the water, Chapman surfaced to observe that their boat was no longer at its anchored position. The divers initially considered the possibility that their boat had submerged, then searched the immediate area before deciding to swim towards another vessel visible about one kilometer away.
Cause of Drifting
Diver Ryan Chapman stated his belief that a loose anchor knot, potentially combined with wind and ocean currents, caused the boat to drift. Their rescuers aboard the fishing boat later confirmed they had observed the boat drifting at sea.
Rescue Operation
The divers swam towards a fishing boat for approximately an hour, attempting to attract attention. Tahnee Forster, a rescuer aboard the fishing boat, observed the distressed individuals and proceeded to pick them up. The rescue occurred approximately one and a half hours after the divers had lost sight of their boat.
Boat Recovery and Aftermath
Following their rescue, the divers determined the likely direction of their boat's drift. They subsequently located their vessel approximately two kilometers from their last diving location. After recovering their boat, the individuals reportedly continued fishing, with one person remaining on board for a subsequent dive, before returning to shore.
Safety Considerations
Ryan Chapman later released footage related to the incident, stating his intention to raise awareness about diving safety. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly checking anchorage and considering the use of a designated person, or "decky," to remain on the boat at all times.