The scuba diver who died off the coast of Gwynedd, Wales, in November 2024 was using a surface-supplied ‘hookah’ system when he drowned, according to new information that has come to light following the inquest into his death.
Magyer was initially reported to have drowned ‘due to his use of poorly maintained equipment‘ from which the regulator’s mouthpiece ‘held on by cable ties and builder’s mastic’ had become detached.
Many divers queried the information provided by the Coroner’s report, as regulator mouthpieces are generally held in place either by cable ties or a manufacturer’s bespoke equivalent.
DIVE has since learned that Magyer was using a petrol engine compressor on a float above him to supply him with air. This might explain why the British Coastguard initially received reports of ‘upside-down’ scuba diving gear being spotted in the water.
A report during the initial inquest into Magyer’s death by the assistant coroner for north-west Wales, Sarah Riley, also noted that his breathing equipment was ‘discovered snagged underwater, and was still operating.’
The BSAC Annual Diving Incident Report 2024 makes a specific reference to the incident, noting that concerns have been raised over equipment ‘where small battery-operated compressors are mounted on floats above the diver and deliver air to second stage regulators on 9-12m long hoses.’
‘UK diving organisations and the British Diving Safety Group have all expressed significant concern over the efficacy of such equipment for use even in shallow depths,’ write the report’s authors.
‘Sadly, this year we have identified one fatality involving such equipment. Whilst information relating to the incident is very limited, there is no indication that the person had any formal diver training, and the person was also diving alone.’
Although the equipment Magyer was using is reported to have been a ‘jury-rigged’ petrol-engined compressor rather than a battery-powered device, the BSAC report notes that comparable equipment is readily available online.
Magyer disappeared on 27 November 2024 while diving off the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. His car and personal belongings were found near the area where he went missing, but it would be nine days his body washed up on a beach in Pwllheli, approximately 3 miles from the place he was last seen.
The initial inquest into his death was adjourned for a year, however, at its conclusion in October, Coroner Riley recorded a verdict of misadventure, saying that Magyer likely died by drowning after his regulator became detached.
Related stories
- Missing Wales diver died due to ‘unsuitable’ equipment
- Body of Wales quarry diver was found 85m underwater
- Scuba diver dies in North Wales’ Dorothea Quarry
- Body of missing North Wales diver found
- Swiss police diver dies during Limmat rescue operation
- Florida diver dies on Key West’s Vandenberg wreck - 24 November 2025
- Don’t shop – dive! ‘Blue Friday’ celebrates its fifth birthday - 21 November 2025
- Suunto launches new Nautic & Nautic S dive computers - 18 November 2025
