Private Paul Kelly Jolliff

Private Jolliff was engaged in dive rescue training to become certified as a rescue diver.

This was the last day of a 21-day training curriculum. He was engaged in an evolution that required him to descend to approximately 60 feet and retrieve a concrete block. The purpose of the exercise was to give the students experience with using tools to retrieve a heavy item in zero visibility and bring that item to the surface.

The students used a rope tied to a 3-pound weight on the bottom as an ascent/descent line. Visibility at the bottom was very poor. At some point, Private Jolliff and his partner were attaching ropes to the block as they had been instructed. Private Jolliff experienced some difficulty and lost contact with his partner. The partner went to the surface to get help. A number of other divers joined the search for Private Jolliff. He was found below the surface entangled in ropes.

Private Jolliff was brought to the surface and then brought to shore. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was listed as drowning with barotraumas (gas expansion from the blood on ascent).

For more info see NIOSH report

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200215.html