Diver who died at Chilean fish farm was maintaining anti-sea lion nets 

A diver who died at a salmon farm in Chile last week was carrying out maintenance work on sea lion nets when the tragedy occurred, salmon farmer Blumar told Fish Farming Expert’s Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.

Blumar said the diver, referred to as Mr YV, worked for contracting company Servicios Marítimos Trapén. He died on Thursday at the Bahía León farm in the Magallanes Region.

“Mr. YV, with nearly 15 years of experience, was performing maintenance on the farm’s sea lion nets when the incident occurred, always accompanied by an underwater ROV,” the company said.

The teams present quickly activated emergency protocols, including rescue with an emergency diver and appropriate resuscitation maneouvres. Authorities were immediately notified, and coordination with health services was initiated to deploy ambulances, a speedboat, and a helicopter, but Mr YV could not be saved.

Contact with family

“Trapén Maritime Services is in contact with Mr. YV’s family,” said Blumar. “The company (Blumar) is in constant coordination with the supplier and is available to collaborate and assist in whatever is necessary to support the family during this difficult time.”

Various company managers and specialists travelled to the farm to form an investigative committee to determine the exact cause of the incident. They are also collaborating with all the authorities' ongoing investigations, Blumar explained.

“We are aware of the impact this news has on our community. Therefore, we reiterate our commitment to the investigation process and administrative proceedings. Furthermore, the company has provided emotional support through the ACHS (National Institute of Health and Human Services) as a way to support the farm staff and colleagues on the job,” Blumar stated.

“We reiterate our sincere condolences and respect to Mr YV’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Strengthen safety

The Professional Divers of Chile AG organisation also expressed its sorrow for the recent deaths of divers at Blumar and Australis Seafoods salmon farms, offering its condolences to the families affected.

“It is urgent to make this reality visible and confront it; every loss should be a call to improve working conditions, strengthen safety, implement best practices, and demand that the noble and essential work of divers be respected with dignity and responsibility,” the union emphasised.