Missing diver found dead

Martin Zammit

Sep 13th 2008, 21:52

One thing I have learnt as a scuba instructor, commercial diver and skin diver is that you have to look out for yourself. The buddy system works but can fail just as well. I have seen it happen repeatedly. With proper training and experience I honestly believe that it is safe to dive, breath hold or otherwise safely. Evidently Mr Baldachino had been diving for many years so he would have been well aware of the risks his pass time involved. However, accidents happen to the best of us and it is not for anybody to say if how he parctised his pass time was right or wrong. Unless one has done solo diving one cannot understand the tranquility and joy of being at one with nature with the fragility of your situation making you aware of life itself. People have died walking on their own when they fell into wells or similair. Does this mean that we should never go out walking alone?! I rest my case.

Cedric Busuttil

Sep 12th 2008, 17:49

@ Elena Micallef-Borg - Well said. I perfectly agree with you. Today I said my prayers for frank @ 25 meteres of depth. Thankyou for keeping an eye on me.

Elena Micallef-Borg

Sep 12th 2008, 13:36

My father Tony Micallef-Borg also passed away doing the thing he loved most ... diving ... all I would like to say to Frank's family and friends is ... I am sure that he is enjoying himself with our Lord, exactly in the same way that he enjoyed diving .... and whenever you will think about him in time to come .. you will smile because Frank passed away doing something he loved !

Prayers are promised !

Jeanesse Abela

Sep 12th 2008, 11:27

I knew Frank at work and he used to smile to me when he use to have training at our dept. When I heard the news, it really shocked me because he was such a good and quiet man. My condolences to his family. May God be with his family at this hard time.. Frank u r in better place that u deserve it.. pray 4 us all

Godwin Pace

Sep 12th 2008, 00:40

I have just learned of Frank's death while casually reading the newspaper. I could not believe my eyes. I spent the whole of last Monday with Frank on his new boat. It was a marvellous experience and he took me around many bays in the north of Malta, Comino and Gozo. I have gone with Frank other times on his previous boat and can only say that he never did anything daring while practising Apnoea, compared to another friend of mine who simply disappears into the sea and then emerges some 20 metres away. Last Monday, Frank spent some time showing me the safety equipment on his boat! Frank always struck me as a genuine and trustworthy person, and one to give sound advice. Far from a back-stabber. And I can say with certainty that Frank would have preferred not to be alone last Tuesday, as he asked me to go with him that day and Wednesday but I could not due to work pressure. I wish I had gone with him. I will never forget you Frank and am truly sorry for not joining you last Tuesday. Shall miss you deeply. You will find true happiness now.

Bernard J Schranz

Sep 11th 2008, 18:10

First and foremost my condolences to Frank's family. May they find the solace they need in these moments.

I have been scuba diving for 23 odd years. Many of us start off as snorkellers and eventually progress to Scuba Diving whilst others keep on practising and take up Apnoea.

I have immense admiration for people who, like Frank did, practice Apnoea as it requires immense fitness and discipline.

Meanwhile many people have commented without knowing facts and suggested that the practice of solo scuba diving in Malta is abundant. It is NOT ! In fact Malta is one of the places worldwide which boasts a low tragic statistic, thank God !!

Diving on one's own is discouraged and serious scuba divers know the risks and avoid it. Yet it doesn't stop some from doing it. On the other hand some prefer Apnoea with its attached hazards as it is generally practised solo for reasons already explained by others before.

You cannot abolish snorkelling/Scuba/Apnoe as it would infringe on people's freedom but you can educate people and inform them well of the perils. Let's all learn from this tragedy.

Ray Fava

Sep 11th 2008, 17:38

It is said that the good die young. This was the case for Frank Baldacchino. Frank was a good man and this opinion is shared by all those who knew him at GO. I am profoundly sorry at your sudden demise but I am positively sure that you are in a far better place then the world you left. To his family I extend my sincere condolences and encouragement in this very difficult moment. Rest in peace dear colleague. You will not be forgotten.

Chris Grillo

Sep 11th 2008, 15:07

Hadn't seen Frank for some time, but still shocked by his sudden passing away.
Can only hope your family finds solace in prayer.

Cedric Busuttil

Sep 11th 2008, 14:54

I am very happy to read the last posted comments. This is how it should be in similar cases. Well done and keep posting positve comments about Frank.
Well done!
And Frank -now that you're in heaven - please keep an eye on all us divers.
Condolences to all the family.
May God be with you in these difficult times.

Joanne Stivala

Sep 11th 2008, 14:10

Very sad story. Honest and trustful person. We miss you Frank

Condolences to all his family

Mark Spiteri

Sep 11th 2008, 09:55

My condolences goes to all Frank's family and all his work colleagues, we are still under shock waiting for Frank to come to his office. He was a very quiet person but always there to help you. Both of us used to wave to each other nearly every morning going to our office.

No one knows what happened except Frank. I had a similar bad experience some years ago but luckily enough I had my father waiting for me on a boat and if it was for him I have been dead for many years. I am still suffering the consequences of that moment of madness.

Frank we miss you. Goodbye.

patrick scicluna

Sep 11th 2008, 08:43

Just a note to say how great and helpful was Frank for us colleagues at Zejtun exchange.We will miss his kindness and sincerity.
Condolences to all his family and friends.
GB Sur Baldacchin..............GB my friend

M. Gatt

Sep 10th 2008, 17:48

One of the best people I worked with in these 13 years. I was so sad to hear the news this morning. I am sure Frank is already in Heaven, he was such a kind, honest, quiet man. May God be with his family in such a difficult time.

C.Catania

Sep 10th 2008, 17:19

sad story. May God be with his family in this difficult time!

Adrian Allain

Sep 10th 2008, 17:09

I began skin diving/snorkelling and spear fishing in Malta in 1955 and was a member of the Malta Sub-Aqua Club. During the summer months we had spear-fishing competitions every Sunday lasting for 6 hours. Competitors would go off on their own to the remotest waters around Gozo, Comino and Malta to find the best fish and return on time for the weigh-in. Nobody would be missed until they failed to arrive at the end of six hours. After we lost two fine men (Jimmy Chalker and Tony Ellul) in consecutive years. The rules were changed and we had to fish in pairs. Although it was safer, it took away so much of the enjoyment of the sport. One was constantly having to look out for one's 'buddy' and sometimes felt that he had frightened your fish.
I have skin dived alone for most of my life and will continue to do so. I have had the odd bad moment. On holiday I snorkel alone ( I have no other choice) around Paradise Bay, Ramla Tal-Bir and Ramla Tal-Qortin and often meet solo spearfishers and snorkellers. We are all taking a risk doing something that we all enjoy doing alone..

Cedric Busuttil

Sep 10th 2008, 15:25

Whether it is skin or scuba diving, everyone who commented here look to have little or ample knowledge of diving. In a way or other, every post is right.
I myself am a diver (both scuba & skin) and practice solo diving. Good or not - I do it.
First and most important are my condolences to the victim family.
Well, those who dive with a buddy do the right thing. We all have been thought that solo diving is not recommended. But there is always a BUT!!
I agree with Mr Hulland that all kind of divers should be thought solo diving. What if you're with your buddy and get lost because of low visibility or rock hiding? Everyone here know how common this is. How would a diver react when found alone? They tell you to meet at surface - but how will you react if your friend does not surface? What happened - did you get lost - something bad happened.?
Another important issue is: According to statistics there are more fatal accidents for buddy diving then solo diving?
I am sure the victim took all necessary precautions. He was just unlucky.
Just say a prayer!

Tania Mercieca

Sep 10th 2008, 15:19

My Goodnes!! All of a sudden everyone is an expert capable of passing on judgement regarding the situation being reported. Please show some respect to the victim and his family!! How could you try to give the impression that you possess some kind superior intellect which gives you the authority to judge and blame the diver in question!!!

victor vella

Sep 10th 2008, 15:09

Part of the buzz in diving is the fact that you are outside your element.The fun of either catching fish or just watching them in their natural environment is exhilarating to say the least.I agree with Mr Hulland when you have your buddy tailing you you take bigger risks,to notice this I call upon any diver to see for himself the difference between being in front or at the back when diving in tandem.God Bless his soul and give courage to his family.He doesn't seem to have been a careless person.So it must have been an accident.at least if it is any consolation to his family they will be burying him on land, I still expect to see my friend coming out of the water.

Franco Farrugia

Sep 10th 2008, 14:37

@ Ms Drago Bason - Condolences to all your family, but with all due respect, I, for one, am not jumping to any conclusions or judging anything. Just a kind word to appeal to all those who pursue this hobby to be careful, that's all.

Josanne Drago Bason

Sep 10th 2008, 14:21

Read a few comments which really hurt me. I'm Frank's cousin and like the rest of the family am grieving and will be missing him terribly. I wonder how people can jump to any conclusions ... I can't understand how people can be so judgemental, when not even us, his close family, know exactly what happened to our beloved Frank.

Frank was a very cautious person. I'm sure that he was very careful and took all necessary precautions before diving. So for goodness sake, let's respect his memory and his grieving family and not try to point our finger at him.

Frank, I'm so proud to be your cousin. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to get to know you really well. I'm sure you're with the Lord at this moment. You deserve all happinness. Your cousin, Jo.

Sandro Pace

Sep 10th 2008, 13:52

Condolences to the family of Mr. Baldacchino, a friend and a colleague.
A very sad day for all those who knew him.

Franco Farrugia

Sep 10th 2008, 13:11

1. I agree wholeheartedly with MR JOSEPH GALEA'S APPEAL RE' MOBILE PHONES WHILE DRIVING.

2. To continue commenting about the original subject here, I only studied/practised scuba-diving for a few months ... during those months, we had many lessons about the physics of diving so I cannot understand the comment of MR. JAMIE FRENDO when he claims that some divers don't have a clue ...

3. MR IAN HULLAND - How can you claim that it may be safer diving alone??????? It goes against everything that I learnt in those few months I was practising scuba-diving! But I am no expert. You seem to be more knowledgeable. But...!

Conclusion: It's the diver who has to take the appropriate measures for his safety! And his love for life. Down there, everything is against him, the whole environment is almost inimical. So, one has to be careful.

Joseph Galea

Sep 10th 2008, 11:44

Mr Micallef , I am sure that all who have commented are shocked and share the grief with the family and all those who were close to the late Mr Baldacchino.
It is everbody's concern to avoid such tragedies and this is why we write.
Nobody has the right to be the judge and jury but we have the obligation to contribute to create awareness to all those who tend to forget about the risks such activities hold.
The deceased was probably practising his favourite passtime and not disturbing or putting any other person at risk.
The appeal I make now is to all those who drive with a phone to their ears or sms while driving.
YOU ARE PUTTING AT HIGH RISK INNOCENT CITIZENS INCLUDING GRAND MOTHERS AND GRAND FATEHRS, CHILDREN, AND BABIES IN COTS.
IS YOUR CALL MORE IMORTANT THAN HUMAN LIFE??

Joseph Agius

Sep 10th 2008, 11:42

We will miss you terribly Frank. I have known you since the age of 13 at school and was lucky enough to continue enjoying your friendship at work when we finished working with the same company. You were always attentive to the safety of your workers so I cannot understand what has happened to you. May the lord welcome you with open arms in heaven and pray for us as we will pray for you.

Goodbye my friend

Condolences go to Frank's family, from X-5A classmates and all his work colleagues.

Jamie Frendo

Sep 10th 2008, 11:32

I agree 100% with Ian hulland and have been diving with many so called advanced divers who have not got the slightest idea of what to do if something did go wrong and these divers have got a license to dive together without anyone knowing what to do if god forbids something does go wrong. I personally blame PADI for these mistakes as they are giving the wrong impression to these new divers who are becomming 'fully certified' in a matter of days I mean ok they know what to do if everything goes right but does everyone forget or get the wrong impression that the sea is so unforgiving!

My Sincere Condolences to the family and friends of Frank Baldacchino.

Ian Hulland

Sep 10th 2008, 11:08

There is a growing feeling at an international level that there should be an (advanced) "solo diver course". I know from over 25 years as a SCUBA instructor, that on many, many occasions, one feels safer diving alone at a familiar site, in good conditions-( with all the suitable back-ups and redundant systems, such as a separate air cylinders, two buoyancy systems etc etc )-than with, for example 4 novices that may, or may not, be capable of giving assistance if needed. The increase in mixed gas diving( technical diving) has also multiplied the "extended range" and Nitrox courses, which promote a high degree of "self-help" which is all to the good, after all if one has a problem underwater the buddy may only know much later on.
This is in sharp contrast to the "comfortable" and commonly accepted doctrine - " no problem, if anything goes wrong, I have my buddy"--.
Again, speaking from bitter ( and tragic) experience, although divers may have a qualification, the degree of rescue expertise varies tremendously. Commiserations to the family.

Andre` Micallef

Sep 10th 2008, 10:56

We have just received the tragic news about our dear work colleague Frank Baldacchino who has passed away. We are all shocked and shaking our heads in disbelief. My condolences go to all his family. May God be with them in such a difficult moment.

Christian Abdilla

Sep 10th 2008, 10:47

cont. from my previous comment.

Skin divers using the recommended buddy system when enjoyed their hobby can also help to avoid accidents by diving in tandem and not both at the same time. In this way should something happen to the one who is underwater, his buddy who would have remained on the surface can intervene and help out.

Sincere condolences to family and friends of the victim.

Christian Abdilla

Sep 10th 2008, 10:43

Skin diving and scuba diving are different water activities. Scuba divers carry a supply of compressed air on their backs and stay underwater for a longer time - they will have had to do a course (PADI, CMAS, BSAC etc) and have a licence to actually rent these air cylinders. Scuba diving is a relatively safe sport if one follows the rules set down to avoid decompression sickness.

On the other hand, everyone and his grandma can go skin diving because this can be done with minimal equipment and no qualifications are required. A particular danger in skin diving is called 'hyperventilating' in which the skin diver inhales and exhales rapidly before diving to fill his lungs with as much air as possible - while this prolongs the length of the dive, it may also lower the carbon dioxide threshold beyond the safe limit and thus can cause blackouts underwater.

Both activities have a common golden rule however - NEVER DIVE ALONE.

victor vella

Sep 10th 2008, 10:34

Is it becoming a habit here for some to find blame?For the love of the almighty and in respect of the families concerned let's not jump to conclusions.Can a person swim alone? can a person have a condition of which he/she is not aware?I have dived hundreds of times alone and still live to tell the tale, it happens hundreds of times a day in summer and there is hardly an accident, solo or with a buddy the risk is there but whilst recommending that no one dives alone no one was with this unfortunate person.The result of enquiries into such deaths should be made public as these could be useful in getting to know certain things which we might never consider .

Ian Hulland

Sep 10th 2008, 10:11

Unfortunately, we don't have all the details yet ( we probably never will, as they never issue the results of a tragic inquiry here, in order that we can all learn from others mistakes).
One unfortunate error that often occurs is that they a Snorkeller is described as a "diver" when the two activities are so completely different. In many ways snorkelling can be even more hazardous than scuba diving. We shall have to wait and see, and as per usual, listen to the "grapevine". A great shame that these results/conclusions are always kept a secret when so much could be publicised and used to improve everyone's safety generally.

Michael Andrews

Sep 10th 2008, 09:55

Divers do it all the time.I know loads who dive alone.Whether it is safe or not people take risks.

Sad story and condolences to his family.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Sep 10th 2008, 09:42

Actually, when I wrote my last comment, I did not know that the person concerned was not scuba diving but skin diving.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Sep 10th 2008, 09:40

Franco, I scuba dive as well and as such, know that diving without a buddy is a strict no no.

However, if not mistaken, I think that diving instructors are licensed to dive solo.

However, even if that is not the case, how can anyone limit or control solo diving?

One just goes, and fills in the cylinder. As long as you have a diving license, no questions are asked.

Something like this cannot be enforced, but is only up to the individual concerned.

Franco Farrugia

Sep 10th 2008, 09:19

What a pity!
But how can this happen?
Every diver, professionally instructed and trained, knows that he cannot dive by himself, and that he needs his mate with him! Divers dive in couples, not alone!
How could this have been allowed to happen???