Rebreather cause of death of British diver

An investigation into the death of a British cave diver has revealed that his rebreather was the cause of the accident. The diver was using a unit that was in the development stage.

The incident occurred on 4 January 2020 At a site known as Lancaster Hole near Kirkby Lonsdale. Simon Halliday, 49, died during a solo exploration when he was relatively close to the exit. The man was an experienced cave diver and a member of the Northern Section of the Cave Diving Group (CDG).

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According to the investigation report, Halliday arrived at the site with two friends, David McDonough and Kevin Gannon, whom he informed that the dive he had planned would take no more than three hours.

As it turned out, the man was using a rebreather, which is still under development and therefore not available on the market for normal sale. According to the information provided, he was supplied with the equipment by Sump UK.

From the moment they entered the water until the emergency services were called, the friends waited on shore for their companion for four hours. Cumbria Police alerted Cave Rescue Organisation after receiving the report and up to 40 members and divers affiliated to CDG responded to the call.

Halliday’s body was found 60 metres into the underwater passage. Data extracted from the victim’s dive computers confirmed the version that there was a problem with the rebreather and the diver had used a bailout cylinder.

The opinion presented by McDonough in court shows that Halliday liked to push the boundaries and operate in extreme conditions. Cumbria’s assistant coroner, Dr Nicholas Shaw, said it was likely Halliday’s rebreather had failed and the incident was classed as an unfortunate accident.

Photo: Cave Rescue Organisation