The death of David Pleace, 57, during a week-long diving trip to Scapa Flow, Orkney, has underscored the importance of thorough equipment checks before diving, according to a recent inquest. Pleace, an experienced diver from Derbyshire, drowned on June 28, 2021, near the SMS Brummer shipwreck after part of his scuba gear became disconnected before entering the water. The incident occurred while he was fulfilling a “bucket list” dive with a group of companions.
During the inquest at Derby Coroner’s Court, assistant coroner Sophie Lomas concluded that Pleace’s death was accidental but could have been avoided with proper equipment checks. Pleace had undertaken several scuba diving courses, and no mechanical defects were found in his gear. However, a critical hose had become detached, impairing his buoyancy control. This failure went unnoticed during pre-dive checks, a step that might have saved his life.
The incident unfolded during Pleace’s second dive of the trip on June 27. After he was reported missing, a search ensued, and his body was discovered the following day, 20 meters from the shipwreck.
The diving expert at the inquest confirmed that the disconnected hose prevented Pleace from controlling his descent. “The reality is because the hose was not connected, from the moment David entered the water, sadly the outcome was set,” said Ms. Lomas. She added that the group, being highly experienced, likely conducted fewer team checks, and this lapse contributed to the tragedy.
Ms. Lomas emphasized that all divers, regardless of experience, should prioritize personal and buddy checks. “These checks are very important, and carrying out personal and body checks, regardless of your level of expertise, can have a significant impact on what follows,” she said.
The coroner offered her condolences to Pleace’s family and the broader diving community, noting the profound impact his death had on those who knew him. She decided against issuing a prevention of future deaths report, stating that the issue was not due to gaps in training or equipment knowledge but rather a matter of mindset.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder to the diving community of the need for vigilance and thorough checks before every dive.
