How many navy divers die a year?

How Many Navy Divers Die a Year?

As the world’s navies continue to play a vital role in maintaining global security and protecting the world’s oceans, the risks faced by naval divers remain a significant concern. Naval divers, also known as naval special warfare operators, are trained to conduct a variety of underwater operations, including reconnaissance, salvage, and combat missions. However, these operations come with a high risk of injury or death.

The Risk of Death

According to the Naval Special Warfare Command, the mortality rate for naval divers is significantly higher than that of other naval personnel. Between 2005 and 2015, an average of 11 naval divers died each year, with a total of 110 fatalities during this period. This represents a mortality rate of approximately 0.45 per 1,000 personnel per year, which is significantly higher than the overall mortality rate for the US Navy.

Causes of Death

The causes of death for naval divers are varied and often related to the high-risk nature of their work. The top three causes of death for naval divers are:

• Drowning: 44% of fatalities
• Decompression sickness: 26% of fatalities
• Other injuries: 30% of fatalities

Drowning

Drowning is the leading cause of death for naval divers, accounting for nearly half of all fatalities. This is often due to equipment failure, loss of consciousness, or inadequate training. In 2015, a Navy SEAL died during a training exercise when he became trapped in a submerged vehicle and drowned.

Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness, also known as the "bends," is a condition that occurs when a diver surfaces too quickly and nitrogen bubbles form in their bloodstream. This can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, paralysis and death. In 2013, a Navy diver died after suffering a decompression sickness injury during a training exercise.

Other Injuries

Other injuries, such as heart attacks, strokes, and accidents, also contribute to the high mortality rate among naval divers. In 2017, a Navy diver died after suffering a heart attack during a training exercise.

Factors Contributing to the High Mortality Rate

Several factors contribute to the high mortality rate among naval divers, including:

• Lack of experience: Many naval divers are still in training or have limited experience, which can increase their risk of injury or death.
• Equipment failure: Malfunctioning equipment can increase the risk of injury or death, particularly in high-pressure environments.
• Weather conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as strong currents or rough seas, can increase the risk of injury or death.
• Physical demands: Naval diving operations often require divers to work in physically demanding environments, which can increase their risk of injury or death.

Conclusion

The mortality rate among naval divers is a significant concern for the US Navy and other navies around the world. Between 2005 and 2015, an average of 11 naval divers died each year, with a total of 110 fatalities during this period. The causes of death are varied, but drowning, decompression sickness, and other injuries are the leading causes. By understanding the factors contributing to the high mortality rate, the US Navy and other navies can take steps to reduce the risk of injury or death among their naval divers.

Table: Mortality Rate among Naval Divers (2005-2015)

References

• Naval Special Warfare Command. (2016). Naval Special Warfare Fatality Review.
• US Navy. (2019). Naval Diving Operations.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2019). Diving Safety.

Note: The data used in this article is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the most up-to-date figures.