Komodo National Park is known for dragons, but it is also a diving hotspot, and accidents occur all too frequently despite popular Instagram spots. In fact, this was the third drowning in just two months. There was a Chinese tourist who died while snorkeling in Komodo National Park, and even a local guide.
The Last Moments
In this instance, it was a Dutch tourist called Gilles Van Beell who participated in a diving excursion with 24 other divers known as Hiu Bodoh. They were diving at Siaba Turtle Point, very familiar and a popular, well-known dive spot in the Komodo region, when Gilles suddenly lost consciousness underwater.
Disorder on the Water
At the time, the captain of a passing speedboat could hear some utter despair from a dinghy onboard Hiu Bodoh. The signal was unmistakably clear they required an emergency retrieval.
The Battle to Save Him
CPR was initiated by dive masters and instructors at the time of the incident and later continued by medical staff. Sadly, although CPR was performed constantly at sea and on the ambulance, Gilles never regained consciousness and was taken to a hospital in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, which is where his body still waits for arrangements for repatriation.
A Reality Check
Strong currents, unanticipated weather changes, and tragic incidents like this is a stark reminder: the ocean that surrounds Komodo may be slow-moving and serene, but it can become dangerous in a heartbeat. Local authorities understand the necessity of providing safety measures to tourists and guides because while adventure is awaited in these waters, the risks of adventure are real.
