cave diver missing in TN

[Napalm]

The line didn't actually break. The British cave divers don't like the US thin nylon line. They were in the process of relining the cave. They first removed the original nylon line, then another diver started from the surface laying larger polypro line. Because of the restriction, and zero visibility, he was unable to get to Josh. FWIW, I went up there yesterday, and got this directly from the divers involved.

Are you saying Josh was removing the old line while someone was following him laying new line, and they got separated?

[bamafan]

The line didn't actually break. The British cave divers don't like the US thin nylon line. They were in the process of relining the cave. They first removed the original nylon line, then another diver started from the surface laying larger polypro line. Because of the restriction, and zero visibility, he was unable to get to Josh. FWIW, I went up there yesterday, and got this directly from the divers involved.

So the lost diver pulled the line going in and was waiting on his buddy to bring the new line to him in the air bell?

[FW]

Are you saying Josh was removing the old line while someone was following him laying new line, and they got separated?

So the lost diver pulled the line going in and was waiting on his buddy to bring the new line to him in the air bell?

Essentially, yes. The guy bringing in the new line couldn't find his way in. It is better to have two lines than none.

[kidsdream]

Essentially, yes. The guy bringing in the new line couldn't find his way in. It is better to have two lines than none.

Forrest. Unless I'm missing something, this sure seems like the base plan was at odds with the continuous guideline to the surface rule; and a pretty questionable strategy in any case. But I know I have executed some less than perfect dive plans and have had fortunate outcomes.

[rddvet]

Essentially, yes. The guy bringing in the new line couldn't find his way in. It is better to have two lines than none.

So why was the relining being done exactly? Were they asked by a committee or local divers, or is it simply "we're British, we don't like this".

[bamafan]

So why was the relining being done exactly? Were they asked by a committee or local divers, or is it simply "we're British, we don't like this".

I think their theory is you can't feel our small line with heavy gloves on. Apparently they re-line caves just like they leave the EU. No working plan at all.

[rddvet]

I think their theory is you can't feel our small line with heavy gloves on. Apparently they re-line caves just like they leave the EU.

Except this time Brexit stands for Brokenline Exit.


But really, if they're visiting divers, why are they relining caves? Are they diving TN caves regularly or surveying them?

[twaldo]

Why would you think that?

This is now another “incident” making the national/international news, perpetuating the belief that cave diving is extremely dangerous. I know landowners that don’t want people on (or in) their property for fear of law suits. And the media attention makes it more likely that some ambulance chaser will sign up to go after someone’s life savings.

Lets see... owners change, owners calm down post event and they also regain trust in local divers/cavers. Have seen it happen in Arkansas... maybe not international news but "explorers" lost, big news story, "explorers" found.... cave closed.... then open back up after all the press has been gone for awhile. Not totally sure of TN law but I'm betting it is very similar to Arkansas law where if the owner isn't charging for access they can't be sued for accidents that happen on their property.

So yes I have faith that it will re-open.

[midway]

Except this time Brexit stands for Brokenline Exit.


But really, if they're visiting divers, why are they relining caves? Are they diving TN caves regularly or surveying them?

Guys, let’s wait until we know the relevant facts. I don’t doubt Forrest about the info he conveyed but perhaps there is more to the protocol they followed than what has been inferred. That protocol, obviously, as this incident shows, is not sound.

Also tourist cave divers or explorers, let’s be careful out there and try not to be complacent. We are fortunate to have Edd (and others) but he literally puts his life on the line every time he goes recovering/rescuing cave divers.

[rddvet]

Guys, let?s wait until we know the relevant facts. I don?t doubt Forrest about the info he conveyed but perhaps there is more to the protocol they followed than what has been inferred. That protocol, obviously, as this incident shows, is not sound.

Also tourist cave divers or explorers, let?s be careful out there and try not to be complacent. We are fortunate to have Edd (and others) but he literally puts his life on the line every time he goes recovering/rescuing cave divers.

I was asking for relevant facts. FW said he spoke to them. I asked 2 or 3 times and it wasn't answered. Not sure where you think relevant facts will be coming from? I think if FW spoke to them directly since he knows them, he should be able to supply relevant facts (as he already did).