CAYMAN BRAC, Cayman Islands (16 Oct 2008) — Another tourist died while scuba diving with Reef Divers in the Cayman Islands. Michael Carter, 53, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, apparently lost consciousness soon after he resurfaced off the north shore of Cayman Brac. "It would appear that the deceased got into difficulties while swimming back to the dive boat after his first dive," said Sergeant Matthew Dawson. "He lost consciousness while being assisted back to the vessel and despite prolonged CPR and other first aid efforts by the staff on board, never regained consciousness." Police said the scuba diving accident victim arrived with a tour group on October 11 and was staying at the Brac Reef Beach Resort. Reef Divers manager Mick Maher told reporters that his staff did everything they could to revive Carter before paramedics arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead. Reef Divers allegedly ignored scuba diving safety protocols in two fatal accidents that occured in 2007. Police said the accident is under investigation, however, it is not known if an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Dive operators ignoring safety regulations Government officials in the Caymans want dive operators to comply with regulations aimed at enhancing diver safety, however, local dive shop owners led by strident tourism promoter Steve Broadbelt of Ocean Frontiers say that doing more to make scuba diving safer is just plain bad for business. One of the regulations requires dive boat operators to keep at least one crew onboard, a safety precaution that is common at many popular dive destinations around the world. The regulation under the Port Authority Law states: "At least one person shall remain on board and act as lookout on any dive–boat or other vessel whilst divers therefrom are down." Broadbelt, who owns a liquor store, dive shop and condo development and has repeatedly lied about scuba diving accidents in the Caymans, argues that all diving activities should be self-regulated to ensure the profitability of local dive shop owners. | 
