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Divers' deaths in Split-Dalmatian County, Croatia (cases study, 1994-2004)
Marija Definis-Gojanović1, Toni Bresković, Davorka Sutlović
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Split University Hospital and School of Medicine, Croatia.
International Maritime Health
|March 21, 2008
Summary
Diving deaths in Split-Dalmatia increased after 2000, primarily affecting recreational scuba and skin divers. Drowning was the main cause, though circumstances often remained unknown due to insufficient investigation.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Diving Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Diving activities are popular in Split-Dalmatian County, Croatia.
- Understanding the circumstances surrounding diving fatalities is crucial for prevention.
- Previous analyses of diving-related deaths in this region are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the circumstances and causes of diving fatalities in Split-Dalmatian County between 1994 and 2004.
- To identify trends in diving deaths over an eleven-year period.
- To highlight potential areas for improved safety and investigation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of autopsy reports from the Department of Forensic Medicine, Split University Hospital.
- Review of police reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Split-Dalmatian County.
- Inclusion of all diving-related death cases recorded during the study period (1994-2004).
Main Results:
- A total of 31 diving fatalities were recorded.
- Diving deaths showed an increasing trend after the year 2000, linked to tourism.
- The average victim age was 37.65 years; drowning was the primary cause of death.
- Apnea (skin) divers (41.9%) primarily engaged in underwater fishing, while scuba divers (58.1%) were mostly recreational.
- Circumstances leading to death were frequently unknown due to inadequate criminal investigations.
Conclusions:
- Diving fatalities in Split-Dalmatia have increased, particularly among tourists engaged in recreational diving.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols.
- Incomplete investigations hinder the understanding of fatality causes, necessitating improved forensic and police procedures.
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