Two divers survived a harrowing ordeal after their boat drifted away while they were diving off the coast of Western Australia.
Lost at Sea, Then Back in the Water
Ryan Chapman and a friend were free diving and scuba diving approximately 5 kilometers off Mindarie, a coastal suburb north of Perth, when they surfaced to discover their boat was missing. Chapman stated they had been anchored for around 45 minutes when the incident occurred.
Chapman recounted being “overly eager” to enter the water and admitted to not properly securing the boat’s anchor. GoPro footage captured his initial reaction, with Chapman heard asking, “Where the fuck is the boat?” and “Oi the boat … it’s come off anchor.”
The two athletic men spent an hour and a half attempting to signal another boat before being picked up. Rescuers had reportedly noticed the unmanned boat drifting out to sea. Despite the situation, Chapman said he “wasn’t too worried,” expressing confidence in their ability to swim to shore, though it would have taken several hours.
Remarkably, after being rescued, the divers located their boat two kilometers away, re-anchored it, and resumed diving – this time with one person remaining on board. Chapman acknowledged that, in retrospect, they should have reconsidered diving again.
Chapman has shared his experience and footage to emphasize the importance of diving safety, specifically recommending always diving with a “decky” – someone remaining on the boat – and thoroughly checking the anchor. He stated he released the footage to raise awareness and “own up to stupidity,” acknowledging the situation could have been far more dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the boat to drift away?
According to Chapman, the wind may have picked up, and he did not properly secure the boat’s anchor due to being “overly eager” to begin diving.
How long were the divers stranded before being rescued?
The divers spent approximately one and a half hours attempting to signal for help before being picked up by another boat.
Did the divers learn any lessons from this experience?
Chapman stated that, in hindsight, they should have taken more time to reflect on their decision-making and that it’s easy to become complacent about safety precautions.
Considering the potential risks involved in water activities, what safety measures do you prioritize when enjoying time on the water?
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