A man in Australia has tragically drowned after going on a cave diving trip. Police in South Australia confirmed the cave tragedy at a place called Tank Cave.
The incident happened on November 30 near Tantanoola. First responders responded to reports that the cave diver was in danger. They confirmed that the 65-year-old man was missing after cave diving. Later, they found that he had drowned in the cavern. Meanwhile, first responders rescued another cave diver who had been trapped inside.
Authorities say that "There are no safety concerns regarding the incident." Following the death, South Australia's Water Operations Unit launched a recovery operation to retrieve the body of the cave diver. That operation is still underway. Tank Cave, where the tragedy happened, is under operations by the Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA).
Cave Diving Tragedy
"Emergency services crews are on site and liaising with the CDAA," the organization wrote on Facebook. "No further details are available at this time, and updates will be made as new information comes to light. Out of respect for any individuals who may be involved (and their families), please avoid speculation at this difficult time while the Police and emergency services conduct their work."
It's not the first time something like this has happened at Tank Cave. In 2011, archaeologist Agnes Milowka died. She became separated from her diving partner and ran out of air. That same year, another Australian man also passed away near the entrance of the cavern. Cave diving in the cave isn't for the faint of heart. In order to dive at the cave, you must complete advanced cave training. A site access officer is also present on site when people are in the cave.
"The entrance is underground. After climbing down a short ladder, the small surface lake leads to an extensive, maze-like system with over 7km [about 4.3 miles] of diveable passage — this makes it one of the longest underwater caves in Australia," the CDAA states on its website.
