A female Russian diver is missing, presumed dead near Giftun Island, offshore from Hurghada, after diving to more than 120m on a single tank of air..
Kristina Osipova, 44, and her husband Yuri Osipov, 41, from St Petersburg – who are reportedly experienced divers – were diving at Giftun on the last day of a liveaboard when they decided to descend to 60m, according to Mr Osipov. The maximum depth permitted for all recreational diving in Egypt is 40m.
Mr Osipov said he lost conciousness at around 80m of depth, however, his dive computer is reported to have registered a depth greater than 120m. Osipov said that he came to his senses again at a depth of 50m, but his wife was no longer with him.
A search was mounted for the Mrs Osipova, a mother to 4 children, however, the rescue team – which was joined by record-breaking technical diver, Ahmed Gabr – were unable to locate her body.
Mustafa Nabil, captain of the rescue ship that undertook the search, said that strong currents may have carried her body away from the immeiate area, and Mrs Osipov may never be found. Nabil also said that it was likely the couple had succumbed to nitrogen narcosis.
