The epidemiology of murder and suicide involving scuba diving

Peter Buzzacott; Petar Denoble

Vol 63, No 4 (2012)

Original article

Published online: 2013-02-01

Submitted: 2013-02-18

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The epidemiology of murder and suicide involving scuba diving

Peter Buzzacott, Petar Denoble

International Maritime Health 2012;63(4):207-212.

Vol 63, No 4 (2012)

MARITIME MEDICINE Original articles

Published online: 2013-02-01

Submitted: 2013-02-18

Abstract

Murder and suicide in involving scuba are extremely rare. A systematic search identified 19 published studies describing 4,339 recreational diving fatalities occurring between 1956 and 2011. Case vignettes identified three possible murders and eight likely suicides. These are summarised and the victims’ demography described. Prevalences of 69 murders per 105 diving fatalities and 184 suicides per 105 diving fatalities are lower than found among all cause mortality in the USA and Australia.