Russian man dies in cenote-diving accident in Q. Roo

The man died while diving in a cenote at the “Lu’um Balam” bio park, municipality of Solidaridad, Quintana Roo…

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – The Yucatán peninsula is world-famous for its cenotes, that is water-filled sinkholes or pits. They are a fundamental part of the natural landscape, and a major tourist attraction. But they feature several risks.

On Saturday August 5, a Russian identified as 31-year-old Dmitry Chernov who worked at Xcaret, arrived at around 3:00 pm to Lu’um Balam bio park accompanied by a friend, where they entered a cavern with a cenote along with a bio park guide.

However, due to the distance and the darkness on that area, the visitor took another way that was open and should have been closed to avoid public access, so it would imply a possible negligence by the park.

According to reports, the man died after diving in a 50-meter area as he was chasing an air bubble, and losing his strength he suddenly passed away. Details of the incident remain somewhat unclear.

Immediately, divers and members of the Mexican Navy (Semar) arrived on site in order to rescue the body, but there is a wall that prevents the removal, so it will be necessary to use special equipment to knock it down, otherwise the rescuers’ lives would be jeopardized.

Sources say that the visitors didn’t sign any waiver or document, and that the cave access should’ve been closed to the public. Therefore,  it may be alleged that Lu’um Balam bio park could possibly be held responsible for Chernov’s death.

Source: http://noticaribe.com.mx/