DIVERS: Alicia and Marcus (both AOW with 100-plus dives)

SITE: Wreck off Florida’s Gulf Coast

CONDITIONS: Partly sunny, slight chop, 20-foot visibility, 78oF surface temperature, 62oF bottom temperature, mild current

Well out at sea, Alicia and Marcus descended on a fairly intact, 180-foot wreck in 140 feet of water. They planned to inspect the propellers, which at last report, were half-buried and tucked well back under the stern’s superstructure.

Hooked perpendicular to the wreck’s starboard side, the pair found the anchor amidships, deck level, at 90 feet. Following the hull, they reached sand at a gloomy 135 feet. Marcus checked a sketched map on his slate, turning it around several times, looking right and left repeatedly. Finally, he signaled, “Go right.” Alicia hesitated, but Marcus insisted. Following the hull, Marcus led, ascending to 125 feet as they went. After several minutes, they reached the end of the ship. Instead of propellers, they found mangled steel, cable and debris. They were at the bow, not the stern. Marcus pointed, indicating to follow the hull down the other side. Alicia shook her head decisively, pointing to her SPG, which read 1,000 psi. Ascending, they followed the hull at deck level, located the anchor line, followed it to their safety stop and surfaced.

WHAT THEY DID WRONG

They exceeded the 130-foot limit for recreational diving. Apparently affected by nitrogen narcosis, Marcus confused his directions. Alicia suspected his error but followed him anyway. She didn’t signal to ascend when it seemed narcosis might be affecting him. While searching for the propellers, they didn’t follow the hull at deck level, which would have reduced the effects of narcosis and saved air.

WHAT THEY DID RIGHT

Despite narcosis and going the wrong way, they avoided a serious emergency. They carefully ascended above 130 feet and found the anchor line, even after going the wrong way, and managed their air supplies properly.

FIVE TIPS FROM THIS INCIDENT

1. IF YOU THINK your buddy is making a mistake, don’t follow blindly. Communicate and clear things up before continuing.

2. NARCOSIS ISN’T USUALLY OVERLY DRAMATIC. It more commonly causes simple errors; the risk is that these errors can compound into more-serious situations.

3. STAY AS SHALLOW AS YOU CAN on a deep dive. It helps keep you clear-headed and increases your bottom time.

4. IF YOU OR YOUR BUDDY seems affected by nitrogen narcosis, ascend shallower or end the dive.

5. NEVER RISK RUNNING OUT OF AIR. Manage it so you ascend with a reserve and enough to make a safety stop, especially on a deep dive.

GET MORE >> READ PADI INCIDENT REPORTS ABOUT REAL-LIFE NEAR ACCIDENTS.