Two spearfishers found themselves in a perilous situation off the coast of Perth after a simple oversight left them stranded in open water.
A Routine Dive Turns to Crisis
Ryan Chapman and his diving partner had been in the water for approximately 45 minutes, engaged in spearfishing. Upon resurfacing, they were met with an empty horizon where their boat should have been. The cause was quickly apparent: a loose knot on their anchor line had allowed the vessel to break free and drift away with the current.
The Swim to Safety
Stranded roughly 3.5 kilometres from the shore, the pair faced a daunting challenge. Scanning the sea, they spotted a potential lifeline—a fishing vessel estimated to be about 1.5 kilometres away. With no other option, the two men embarked on a strenuous swim towards the distant boat, ultimately reaching it and securing a rescue from the fishermen on board.
Lessons Learned from a Near Miss
In the aftermath of the frightening ordeal, the divers openly admitted their critical errors. They acknowledged not securing the anchor properly before entering the water. Furthermore, they highlighted the significant risk of diving without a dedicated skipper remaining on board to monitor the boat—a standard safety practice for such activities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to all water users of the importance of meticulous preparation and adherence to safety protocols. A single unchecked knot can swiftly turn a leisure activity into a life-threatening emergency, especially in the vast waters off the Western Australian coast.
