Underwater photographer David Salvatori died in scuba diving accident

While diving off the coast of western Sicily, renowned Italian underwater photographer David Salvatori died at the age of 52.

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According to information reported by Italian media, the incident occurred on Sunday, 3 July, at around 1.30 p.m. Salvatori was diving near the island of Favignana in the company of three other people – two friends and a guide.

When the group was at a depth of about 40m, the guide noticed that David was feeling unwell. He then escorted him to the surface and helped to get him back on board of the boat. The Italian’s condition was so bad that cardiopulmonary resuscitation had to be undertaken. The other participants in the dive also called the coastguard for help.

A coastguard unit arriving on call escorted the dive boat approx. 3 miles to Trapani. Unfortunately, still at the harbour master’s office, Davide Salvatori was pronounced dead. His body was transported by the services to St Anthony’s Hospital. The other participants in the dive were taken to a hyperbaric chamber.

At the moment, little is known about the causes of the accident. The local police and the public prosecutor’s office are clarifying the exact course and causes of the entire incident.

David Salvatori and his underwater world

My encounter with water about 15 years ago was stunning and marks the dividing line between my first and second life. Today, I only feel fully myself when I am underwater. Underwater photography allows me to express and witness this new balance – David Salvatori.

David Salvatori has been diving since 2006 and underwater photography since 2008. He paid special attention to the endangered species. He organised diving expeditions to the farthest corners of the world. Photos from his divetrips won prizes in prestigious competitions and were published in many diving magazines. He was also the author of the book Reflections From The Past (2015) and the 2022 publication Scatti Sommersi (Underwater Shots) Volume V, dedicated to Italian underwater photographers.

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