Mike / Jim / J.T.

Initially I was only going to discuss this briefly and privately. There is
too much misinformation on the list now. Since the lawyers and other
ambulance chasers are active now, It would be best to let them run the
course. Every statement or remark will be taken out of context. I will not
be part of feeding this monster that is now loose.

I will be part of and want to see us, as a  group, grow and avoid incidents
like this is in the future. I/we can not change what has occurred.

One of the issues that interest me, is that the investigation from the
establishment side (Coast Guard, US Navy, Coroner, Police, Insurance Agency
Rep) have reviewed and closed the incident. None of the other divers, that I
know of, on the boat were contacted. The Coroner's report stated something
along the lines of  "Massive Coronary Collapse". So it is a moot point about
the revival.

Mike, I believe that J.T. and I  would like to hear the stories or accounts
you have heard since we were there. At this point, I will NOT discuss the
publicly further until the courts have ruled. When we get to that point and
have accurate information to disclose to the list and public, then I will.

The videos you mentioned are from previous days or trips.

My and I family extend my condolences to his wife and family for the loss of
her husband and the children's father .

David

-----Original Message-----
From:	Michael Barnette [mailto:aocfishman@ho*.co*]
Sent:	Monday, July 12, 1999 8:56 AM
To:	vbtech@ci*.co*; techdiver@aquanaut.com
Subject:	Re: Juno Death

Jim-
I think the BIG difference here is that this was a commercial dive.  I
believe OSHA requires a chamber on board for deep dives, plus other red
tape.  None of this was done as far as I am aware.  There were also issues
with a lack of an inwater support diver or anyone with wetsuit/fins on the
surface ready (I believe JT mentioned he jumped in clothed to get the
floating body, perhaps he can shed more light on this) or other safety
protocol.  I am not sure of the issues that would bring the US Navy into it.
While everyone responds to stress differently, Fantone didn't make things
any better.  Whether it was a mild heart attack that he could have been
revived from or a trainwreck heart attack, the rocket ascent made any and
all attempts to revive him futile (check the coroner's report).  Perhaps a
contigency plan should have been in place for any and all scenarios and
discussed, instead of "just diving" the work plans.
While you and JT may point out that I wasn't there and be accurate, I have
heard from individuals who were there who don't paint a pretty picture.
Furthermore, there is video (topside and u/w - not of the accident itself,
however) out there that illustrates many of these points plus others that I
am sure will become part of the administrative record.
I am not a fan of lawyers or litigation either, but this was a mess...
mike

>From: Jim Cobb <cobber@ci*.co*>
>Reply-To: vbtech@ci*.co*
>To: Tech Diver <techdiver@aquanaut.com>,    vbtech@ci*.co*
>Subject: Juno Death
>Date: 10 Jul 1999 09:04:21 -0400
>
>Tai Wilkerson's wife has decided to sue for his death. She will be using
>a lawyer who frequently advertises his services on these lists. Using the
>standard shotgun technique favored by lawfirms of this grade, the suit
>includes the US Navy, the Coast Guard, Quicksilver International (or
>whats left of it), Mike Hillier and Mike Fantone for something Tai did,
>as far as I know, on his own free will.
>
>Personally I think the lawyer is dropping the ball here. He should also
>be suing the Gov. of Spain and the descendants of the Capt. of the Juno,
>for ultimately it was their fault the whole thing happened. And if Spain
>really does find treasures on the "Juno" you could sue for a slice of the
>pie and then retire on your own island in the bahamas (which, of course,
>is the dream of every ambulance chasing lawyer). One of the defendants I
>know hardly has two coins to rub together and surely the real target is
>the training agency he is affiliated with.
>
>While I feel for Mrs. Wilkerson, perhaps she should have insisted that
>her husband quit the dangerous sport of decompression diving, or at least
>get a medical checkup to see if he was fit and able to deal with the
>stress, which apparently (from the medical examiner's report) he was not.
>
>And all you divers out there owe it to your families to have
>comprehensive life insurance policies to cover your families (if you have
>one) in the event of your death.
>
>I think it really sucks when a diver dies. In some situations people
>should pay. In other situations the money grubbing is really sickening.
>Suing the Navy and Coast Guard, just how far does this idiot lawfirm
>think they are going to get with that? Now one tragedy is going to be
>compounded by several more. And the only thing which will be accomplished
>is the lining of the pockets of a bunch of money-grubbing shyster
>lawyers. This sport is not fun anymore.
>
>    Jim
>
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