The man who lost consciousness while diving in Silfra fissure in South Iceland yesterday afternoon was pronounced dead when he arrived at the National University Hospital. The man was a foreign traveller in his sixties, travelling with his family.
Read more: Another serious accident in Silfra: Traveller in his 60s lost consciousness while snorkeling
Resuscitation began immediately
According to a statement from the Police in South Iceland the man experienced some trouble while he was diving with a group and requested the assistance of a guide. When the guide had assisted the man to the beach he had lost consciousness. Attempts to resuscitate the man began immediately.
The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to transport the man to the emergency room at the National University Hospital in Reykjavík. When he arrived at the hospital he was pronounced dead.
Fifth fatal accident since 2010
This is the fifth fatal accident in Silfra since 2010. In addition six other serious accidents have taken place. Last month an American traveller, an American man in his sixties, drowned while snorkeling in Silfra.
Following yesterday's accident park authorities in Þingvellir National Park decided to close the fissure and suspend all diving at the site. The closing went into effect at 9:00 today, and will remain in effect until 8:00 on Monday March 13. The weekend will be used to review the safety practices of companies operating diving tours in the fissure and to determine what new stricter rules are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors.
The man who lost consciousness while diving in Silfra fissure in South Iceland yesterday afternoon was pronounced dead when he arrived at the National University Hospital. The man was a foreign traveller in his sixties, travelling with his family.
Read more: Another serious accident in Silfra: Traveller in his 60s lost consciousness while snorkeling
Resuscitation began immediately
According to a statement from the Police in South Iceland the man experienced some trouble while he was diving with a group and requested the assistance of a guide. When the guide had assisted the man to the beach he had lost consciousness. Attempts to resuscitate the man began immediately.
The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to transport the man to the emergency room at the National University Hospital in Reykjavík. When he arrived at the hospital he was pronounced dead.
Fifth fatal accident since 2010
This is the fifth fatal accident in Silfra since 2010. In addition six other serious accidents have taken place. Last month an American traveller, an American man in his sixties, drowned while snorkeling in Silfra.
Following yesterday's accident park authorities in Þingvellir National Park decided to close the fissure and suspend all diving at the site. The closing went into effect at 9:00 today, and will remain in effect until 8:00 on Monday March 13. The weekend will be used to review the safety practices of companies operating diving tours in the fissure and to determine what new stricter rules are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors.
