American tourist dies at Ribbon Reef off coast of Cooktown
A scuba diver is being remembered for his love of the ocean and his big heart after his tragic death off the coast of Cooktown while a guest on-board a reef boat.
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A scuba diver is being remembered for his love of the ocean and his big heart after he died while on a reef trip off the coast of Cooktown.
A report will be prepared for the coroner after the death of American tourist Michael Casey, who had been a guest on-board a Mike Ball Dive Expeditions vessel.
The 68-year-old, got into trouble at the Steve’s Bommie dive site located within Ribbon Reef No. 3, about 60kms east of Cooktown on September 6, 2024.
It was understood Mr Casey was located unresponsive in the water before he was brought on-board the live-a-board vessel Spoilsport.
First-aid was administered, however tragically Mr Casey could not be saved.
His body was returned to Cooktown before being transferred to the Townsville-based coronial hub.
In tribute to Mr Casey published by a South Carolina funeral home, he was described the as a “vibrant soul whose zest for life was as boundless as the ocean he loved.”
“Mike’s spirit was always drawn to warmer climates and the adventures they offered,” the obituary read.
“An avid skier, scuba diver, and golfer, Mike was happiest when surrounded by the beauty of nature and the company of loved ones.
“Mike’s heart was as big as his personality.”
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions was contacted by the Cairns Post however did not respond to an emailed request for comment and also declined to comment via phone.
Police stated investigations into the man’s death are ongoing, but the company is not charged with any wrongdoing.
The death of Mr Casey is the third Far North reef death in the past year.
South Australian tourist Adrian Meyer died at the Norman Reef while a tour with Reef Experience on November last year
A 51-year old female tourist from the Netherlands also died at Norman Reef in May while on a Divers Den day trip.
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Originally published as American tourist dies at Ribbon Reef off coast of Cooktown
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