POST-MORTEM results have revealed that the death of divers, Peter Timm (51) and Adele Stegen (45) were consistent with decompression.
This was confirmed by police spokesman, Captain Vincent Pandarum, who said police will continue to investigate the tragic accident that claimed the lives of the divers at Umkomaas last week.
Capt Pandarum said Peter of Sodwana and Adele of Vryheid were out on a deep sea search and recovery dive operation off Umkomaas when the accident occurred.
Both were professional divers and had gone out at about 9.45am together with the skipper and two others in boat hired from a local dive charter company.
“Peter and Adele had been diving for about 30 minutes, while the other three remained in the boat, when Peter surfaced with Adele,” he said.
Capt Pandarum said both allegedly displayed signs and symptoms of having suffered decompression and Adele was pulled on board but attempts to resuscitate her proved futile.
“Peter was also pulled aboard where he lost consciousness and subsequently died,” he said.
Capt Pandarum said the divers were then rushed back to the shore where paramedics’ attempts to resuscitate them were in vain. They died at the scene.
Two inquest dockets have been opened at Umkomaas Police Station, and the case is being investigated by Detective Warrant Officer Zarak Khan.
Diving equipment belonging to Peter was recovered and handed over to police by members of the public.
Adele’s diving equipment has still not been recovered and W/O Khan appeals to anyone who finds any scuba diving equipment in the vicinity of Umkomaas beach to contact him at 039 973 6100.
