Diver entanglement – umbilical caught around an anode
- Safety Flash
- Published on 28 April 2026
- Generated on 28 April 2026
- IMCA SF 08/26
- 2 minute read
A diver’s umbilical got caught around an anode attached to a conductor shaft at 18 msw.
What happened?
The diver was unable to release his umbilical during regular dive time. As the umbilical could be slackened the diver started with the in-water decompression stops. The stand-by diver was launched and was able to free the diver’s umbilical.
What went right?
The diver stayed calm and the launch of the stand-by diver was prompt and controlled. The entanglement was undone without exceeding the planned diving time.
What went wrong?
During the dive, increased tidal current to 0.6-0.7 kts towards the jacket structure pushed the diver’s umbilical towards the conductor shaft (leg) where the anode was installed. After the diver arrived at the 15 msw in-water stop it became clear that their umbilical was routed down towards the anode instead of up towards the vessel deck.
Slack was given to the diver so he could continue with his in-water decompression stops at 12 msw and 9 msw. During the 9 msw in-water decompression stop, the stand-by diver was launched to release diver’s umbilical.
The divers’ decompression was not affected, the stand-by diver was free of any decompression (free dive time) and was recovered safely back to the vessel deck after the recovery of the first diver.
What was the cause?
External tidal conditions: tide pushed the diver’s umbilical against the platform structure.
Lessons to learn
- Attention should be given to the local situation and the environmental conditions.
- Situational awareness during planning and executing a diving task.
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