GLOUCESTER, Massachusetts (30 Apr 2007) -- Gloucester and State Police are trying to figure out how a certified scuba diver died in relatively shallow water early yesterday. David J. Lenardis, 43, of Wilmington, was found off of Niles Beach in 6 feet of water after becoming separated from his three diving companions, police said. "The water was flat and calm, and there was a lot of visibility, so how he ended up submerged is a mystery at this point," said Gloucester Police Lieutenant Michael Lane said. Lenardis and three companions were on a recreational dive and were exploring the water in pairs. Lane said Lenardis's partner decided to return to shore. Lenardis said he would join the other divers, Lane said. But a few minutes later, the three divers were gathered on the beach. They waited for Lenardis for about 10 minutes, then called for help. Gloucester police, firefighters, and the harbormaster and Coast Guard arrived at the beach just before 11 a.m. and searched for about 30 minutes, Lane said. Firefighters found an unresponsive Lenardis about 30 yards off shore, Gloucester Deputy Fire Chief Tom Aiello said. He was pronounced dead at Addison Gilbert Hospital at 12:35 p.m., Lane said. Today, State Police plan to begin checking his equipment and medical investigators are expected to perform an autopsy, Lane said. | | Rescue workers searched for a scuba diver off Gloucester who was separated from three companions. He was found dead off Niles Beach. (Erik Jacobs) Lenardis's fiancée, Maureen Travers, said yesterday that he loved the ocean. "He died in the place that he loved the most," she said. SCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
