A scuba diver who died off the coast of Gwynedd, Wales, last year likely died due to his use of poorly maintained equipment, according to statements made during the inquest into his death.
Imrich Magyer, 53, originally from Slovakia but living near Warrington, Cheshire, disappeared on 27 November 2024 while diving off Porth Ysgaden, situated on the northern coast of Wales’ Llyn Peninsula.
The British Coastguard was alerted on the afternoon of 28 November after reports of ‘upside-down’ scuba diving gear being spotted in the water.
His car and personal belongings were found near the area where he went missing, but it would be more than a week before his body was found in the Llangwndal area of Pwllheli, approximately 3 miles from the place he was last seen.
The inquest was told that Magyer’s equipment was ‘unsuitable for British waters’ and that the mouthpiece of his regulator was ‘held on with cable ties and builder’s mastic.’
Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rogers, himself a certified scuba diver, told the inquest in Caernarfon that he ‘had concerns’ about some of the equipment Magyer was using.
‘This particular design of equipment is unsuitable for diving in British waters, said Rodgers. ‘It’s actually quite dangerous – the mouthpiece can be dislodged from the air supply by sea currents, wave action, even the wake from a passing boat.’
‘That’s almost certainly what happened here.’
The inquest was also told that Magyer had been solo diving and did not have a redundant air source.
Coroner Sarah Riley recorded a verdict of misadventure over the circumstances of his death, saying that Magyer likely died by drowning after losing his regulator.
