Two divers tragically lost their lives due to hypothermia when their life-support equipment malfunctioned during a diving operation. The incident, known as the Wildrake diving accident, occurred in 1979 in the East Shetland Basin of the North Sea. Richard Arthur Walker, 32, and Victor Francis “Skip” Guiel Jr., 28, were commercial divers working on a Single Anchor Leg Mooring (SALM) system when their diving bell detached from the main lift at a depth of 520 feet.
Walker’s diary revealed a chilling premonition of his fate, expressing uncertainty about his survival. The accident was attributed to a damaged structure caused by the British National Oil Corporation’s actions, leading to the divers being stranded. Despite successful acclimatization to the deep-sea pressure, the divers faced a critical situation when their diving bell broke free, leaving them reliant on the umbilical cord for essential supplies.
Efforts were made to rescue the divers using the diving vessel Stena Welder, but challenges arose due to technical issues. The rescue divers discovered Walker and Guiel in a distressed state, attempting to free themselves from the bell. Unfortunately, the rescue operation faced complications, resulting in the divers being declared dead from hypothermia upon recovery.
Subsequent investigations revealed safety violations and negligence, prompting legal actions against the diving contractor, Infabco Diving Services Ltd. In a gesture of compensation, the United States District Court awarded damages to the families of the deceased divers. The court highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety over speed in such operations to prevent tragic outcomes like the Wildrake diving accident.