Investigation Suggests Separation From Buddies Before Tank Cave Diver’s Death

New details have emerged about the death of a cave diver at South Australia’s renowned Tank Cave, shedding further light on an incident that drew widespread attention across the diving community last year.

According to a report published by ABC News, an investigation by the Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA) has found that experienced diver Gary Gibson died after becoming separated from his dive partners during a November 2025 exploration of the complex underground system near Tantanoola.

The findings expand on earlier reporting, including the original coverage in The Scuba News article about the Tank Cave fatality, which documented the emergency response and recovery operation following the incident.

New Findings From CDAA Investigation

The CDAA investigation, as detailed in the ABC report, concluded that Gibson, 65, was diving as part of a three-person team when he turned back and lost contact with the other divers. When he failed to arrive at a pre-arranged meeting point, the remaining team members retraced their route and later found him unresponsive within the cave system.

Investigators reported that his equipment appeared to be functioning normally, suggesting that a mechanical failure was unlikely to have contributed to the incident. The CDAA findings also indicated that he carried sufficient breathing gas to complete the planned dive profile, reinforcing the view that the situation unfolded unexpectedly rather than as the result of a straightforward technical issue.

There was no indication that Gibson became trapped within the cave or that a structural collapse occurred. Instead, the association noted signs consistent with stress or exertion prior to his death, with investigators suggesting that a medical event may have played a role, although the precise cause remains undetermined while the coronial process continues.

Revisiting the Original Incident

When news of the tragedy first broke in late November 2025, emergency services were called to Tank Cave after reports that divers were in distress. As outlined in The Scuba News’ earlier coverage, specialist police and recovery teams faced a complex operation inside one of Australia’s most challenging cave diving environments.

Tank Cave is widely regarded as a technically demanding system, featuring extensive submerged passages and requiring advanced training and permits coordinated through the Cave Divers Association of Australia. Access restrictions and strict safety procedures reflect the inherent risks of overhead environments, where direct ascent to the surface is not possible.

Despite its reputation as a well-managed dive site with rigorous standards, the cave’s history illustrates how even experienced divers operating within established guidelines can face serious hazards.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

The ABC report highlights the emotional impact the incident has had on those involved, with members of Gibson’s dive team and the wider cave diving community continuing to process the loss.

While the CDAA’s internal investigation has now provided additional context around the sequence of events, the South Australian coroner has yet to release an official determination regarding the exact cause of death. Until that process concludes, many of the conclusions remain provisional, reflecting the complexity of investigating incidents in challenging underwater environments.

For divers following the story, the latest findings provide a clearer understanding of what may have happened underground while reinforcing a familiar lesson within technical diving circles, that preparation and experience reduce risk but cannot eliminate it entirely.