Evaluation of fatal diving accidents in Turkey

In any kind of diving there is a risk of accidents, as the move from the topside environment to underwater can affect a diver’s physiological and psychological condition. It is important to investigate dive accidents to clarify the causative factors and determine preventive measures. In this study, autopsy files of fatal dive accident cases were reviewed to evaluate demographic data, type of diving, purpose of dive, seasonal distribution, autopsy findings, and causes of death. We reviewed 56 fatal dive accident files from autopsy units in cities where dive activities are concentrated and from the archive of the Turkish Underwater Federation. Four cases were excluded from the study since we were unable to obtain autopsy reports. Of 52 cases there were 20 scuba divers, two surface-supplied divers and 30 breath-hold divers. The majority of cases involved males (94%). The average age of 50 cases was 38.6; age estimation for two cases could not be determined due to advanced putrefaction. Of these fatal dive accidents 75% took place over a period of six months between May and October. Drowning was recorded as the primary cause of death in these cases. X-ray imaging was used in four (8%) cases. A special autopsy technique was used for nine (17%) cases, to detect possible pulmonary barotrauma and arterial gas embolism. The forensic specialist who is planning to conduct the autopsy for a dive fatality should have knowledge and experience about dive physics and physiology as well as physiopathology of dysbaric injuries.