American free diver, Nicholas Mevoli, died Sunday after trying to set a new record completing a 72-meter dive at Vertical Blue championship in Bahamas.
According to Vertical Blue officials, Mevoli started to get in trouble when he got to the 223 feet level, where he apparently tried to turn back.
"Nevertheless, instead of heading to the surface, he decided to dive down again in an attemp to reach his goal and achieve his second American record," NYTimes reported. "A few of his fellow athletes squirmed with discomfort, recognizing that his decision was a dangerous one."
After diving for 3 minutes and 38 seconds, Mevoli made his way to the surface struggling with his lack of air. When he achieved to emerge, he ripped off his goggles, flashed the OK sign with his hands and when he was about to finish the surface protocol by saying "I am OK", he wasn't able.
"His words were garbled, his eyes wide and blank. He tipped backward into the ocean and lost consciousness." NYTimes reported.
After 15 minutes, the event physician Barbara Jeschke tried to revive him, and some blood came from his mouth before it poured into the sea, he had no pulse.
The team led by Barbara began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, gave him three shots of adrenaline, and continued for 90 more minutes with no success.
Vertical Blue reported the incident in Facebook:
We are very sad to report that earlier today Nicholas Mevoli (USA) tragically lost his life after a CNF dive to 72m. He was conscious when he surfaced but then blacked-out more than 30 seconds later. Emergency procedures were followed and despite receiving immediate medical attention, he failed to regain consciousness.
At the moment we are all extremely shocked and saddened and trying to establish what happened. His family has been informed and all our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Competition freediving has an enviable safety record but the sport can never be risk-free, something understood by all freedivers.
We will give more details as soon as they emerge.
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