Was There Anyone on the Boat?

Everyone has things get away from them from time to time, but they’re not supposed to include a dive operation’s customers. According to a news report cited on Bahamasnet, four American divers diving with Stuart Cove’s Dive South Ocean were rescued October 16 after spending almost 24 hours in the water when their 40-foot dive boat, Stenella, broke away from its mooring and drifted away. An initial air and U.S. Coast Guard search of the area near New Providence nabbed the boat and one diver, who was helicopter airlifted to safety. The remaining four spent the night in the water and were located after the search resumed at daybreak. All were pronounced “relatively healthy.” The truth is that most of us have probably been diving while the boat was left unmanned. This, however, is a powerful example of why it's not a good idea. We tried to talk with Stuart Cove’s Dive South Ocean about the incident, but they refused to return calls or e-mails. Perhaps they are just embarrassed.