Diver dies at Chilean fish farm

The accident occurred on Monday morning, while the diver was performing routine work tasks for the company Australis Seafoods, reports Fish Farming Expert's Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.

The Chilean Navy said it received a distress call at 11 am. The diver, identified by the initials CBA, was found lifeless in the water by colleagues. A patrol boat with medical personnel from the Puerto Cisnes hospital was sent to the scene, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

"Weather conditions were normal at the time of the accident. We deeply regret and express our condolences to the family of the deceased," Navy officer Claudio Medina told Radio Auténtica FM.

Under investigation

The case is currently under investigation. The prosecutor's office has asked both the Chilean Marine Police and criminal investigators from the Carabineros police to conduct technical investigations to clarify the sequence of events and whether any third parties may have been involved.

Australis Seafoods told Salmonexpert that the diver was employed by the external company Servicios Trapén Spa, and that he had both experience and valid documentation.

"We deeply regret the tragic death. The incident is being investigated, and we are assisting with all necessary documentation," the company said.

It further stated that first aid measures and evacuation procedures were implemented immediately after the accident. Operations were temporarily halted, and applicable notification procedures were followed. Representatives from both Australis Seafoods and the contractor quickly travelled to the scene to assist.

Supporting the family

"Our highest priority now is to support the family, who are already in contact with [the deceased diver's] employer. We will fully cooperate with the authorities to help clarify the causes of this tragic incident. Our deepest condolences go out to the bereaved family," the company said.

In April, a commercial diver who was working at a salmon farm in Chacabuco, in the Aysén region, died in an accident, and less than a week later another diver died while working on a mussel farm.

In parliament, a bill establishing a diving employment contract is in the second stage of legislative review, aiming to address high accident rates in the sector.