‘Unacceptable’: Scuba diver allegedly left behind in the ocean by dive operator says ‘lessons must be learnt’ from the incident

A scuba diver who was allegedly left behind in the ocean for several hours before he was rescued by a ferry said lessons must be learnt from his ordeal.

A scuba diver who was allegedly left behind in the Indian Ocean by a dive operator and rescued by a ferry returning from Rottnest Island has broken his silence about the ordeal.

The man known only as Ian was one of two divers who were allegedly stranded by Perth Diving Academy about three nautical miles off the coastline on March 2.

The divers were spotted by crew members on-board Rottnest Fast Ferries, which was making its way back to Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth’s north.

The divers had allegedly been treading water for hours when they were rescued by the ferry.

Crew members on-board Rottnest Fast Ferries rescued two scuba divers treading water about three nautical miles off the Perth coastline. Picture: Facebook

Ian told the ABC in a statement that the dive boat operators were responsible for ensuring divers’ safety but realised a mistake could have occurred.

He was confident the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) would conduct a thorough investigation to find out how and why they were allegedly left behind by their dive boat.

“When divers entrust their safety to a dive operator, they have a right to expect that proper procedures will be followed,” he said.

“Failing to account for every diver before leaving a site is unacceptable, and lessons must be learned from this.

“While it’s natural to seek immediate answers, I urge everyone to withhold judgment and wait for the full AMSA report.

“Despite the strict headcount and roll-call protocols taught by dive training organisations, incidents like this still happen.

“I trust that AMSA’s findings will help strengthen safety measures and prevent future incidents.”

A scuba diver who was left behind in the ocean by a dive operator said it was unacceptable and lessons must be learnt from the incident. Picture: Facebook

AMSA confirmed on Wednesday it was aware of the incident and had started an investigation.

“AMSA takes the safety of passengers and crew very seriously and would not hesitate to take swift and strong action should a breach of safety regulations or procedures be identified,” a spokesman said.

“The outcome of an investigation may include the development of strategies and interventions to improve marine safety and protection of the environment or the undertaking of enforcement action.”

A Perth Diving Academy spokesman said they would not comment on the incident until AMSA had completed its investigation.

Originally published as ‘Unacceptable’: Scuba diver allegedly left behind in the ocean by dive operator says ‘lessons must be learnt’ from the incident