TOWNSVILLE, Australia (31 Oct 2003) -- THE husband of 26-year-old American scuba diver Christina Watson, who died during a dive near the Yongala wreck a week ago, told yesterday how the pair would not have gone in the water had they known how strong the currents were. Gabe Watson, speaking publicly for the first time since his wife's death, said the wind had whipped up white caps on the surface on the day of the dive and "they were not ideal diving conditions". But Mike Ball Dive Expeditions general manager Stan Kielbaska said the pair had been in the water once before and Mrs Watson was offered an orientation dive before the incident. Mr Kielbaska said 25 divers and the crew on the dive boat Spoil Sport had been well briefed on the conditions to expect while diving on the Yongala. He said all divers were told of the current and were to dive and drift along with the current past the wreck and surface at the other end. However Mr Watson said he entered the water with his wife and decided to abort the dive after a matter of minutes when they realised just how strong the current was. "After the incident one of the female volunteers on the Spoil Sport told me that as they were on the anchor line after setting up the site, the current was so severe it pushed them horizontal," he said. "Had we been told exactly what the conditions were like before the dive we never would have attempted it. "From what we were used to in the (United) States, the current was very strong. "Tina got into difficulty as we turned back. It is my belief that whatever physical problem took Tina's life was triggered by our struggle with the current as we tried to abort the dive." Mr Watson said his wife of 11 days, whom he had known since college, had open water diving certification and had been on 11 dives before last Wednesday's tragedy. Mr Kielbaska said one of the passengers on board the boat had described the briefing as one of the best he had had in 25 years. He said although the current was strong Mr Watson still managed to make headway against it while bringing his wife with him. "We've been a leader in the dive industry as far as safety is concerned and I believe the investigation (by police) will show what has happened," he said. | | Gabe and Christina Watson. Christina, a novice diver with only 11 dives, died in strong currents during a Mike Ball Dive Expeditions dive on the wreck of the Yongala. Mr Watson was full of praise for the assistance he had received since the tragedy. "I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during this horrible time in my life," he said. "The Townsville police have gone above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of me. Candice and Greg I will never be able to thank enough for everything they have done. The US Consulate in Sydney, John, Paula and Ginger, I would like to thank them for all the comfort in my darkest hours. "And finally my family and friends and the government officials from the US who have called to check on me and to pass along their condolences. "In a time like this, no words can heal the pain, but knowing how much people care helps." The body of Mrs Watson is expected to be released this week and will be flown to Alabama for her funeral. "Hopefully we'll be on the same flight," Mr Watson said. SOURCE - Townsville Bulletin |
