MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A German tourist died Sunday morning following a diving incident at the popular Christ of the Abyss dive site off Key Largo in the Florida Keys.
59-year-old Vitaliy Demchuk was diving with Amoray Dive Resort when he lost consciousness in the water. CPR was immediately administered, and Demchuk was transported to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, where he was pronounced dead at 11:10 a.m.
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Foul play is not suspected in the incident. Autopsy results are pending to determine the exact cause of death.
The Christ of the Abyss is a popular dive site featuring a submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ. While generally considered a safe dive, incidents like this underscore the inherent risks associated with underwater activities.
Divers are reminded to:
- Get properly certified and maintain their skills.
- Dive with a reputable operator and follow their instructions.
- Conduct pre-dive safety checks and monitor their air supply.
- Ascend slowly and safely.
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