![20 diving accidents that happened in Okinawa Prefecture, plus how to dive safely and how to find the right tour [summary]](/images/content/blog/fa1251d55c711987.webp)
Okinawa's beautiful ocean is a dream destination for divers all over the world.
A dive surrounded by crystal-clear water and a rich variety of marine life will be a memory you never forget.
However, diving is an activity in which you face nature head-on, so it is also true that safety measures are essential.
Even in Okinawa, diving accidents are occasionally reported, but most of them are caused by "insufficient preparation" or "overlooking basic rules."
In this article, we explain in detail real-life diving accidents, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency, and share tips for enjoying diving safely.
Even if it is your first time diving, you can feel at ease with the right knowledge and preparation.
We hope this article helps you understand how serious accidents can be, so that you can enjoy diving in the Okinawan sea safely!
20 diving accidents that have happened in Okinawa Prefecture
Here are 20 diving-related accidents that actually happened in Okinawa Prefecture.
1. Man in his 70s taking part in a dive off Taketomi Island goes into cardiac arrest after entering the water and dies
On September 10, 2024, in the sea south of Taketomi Island, a man in his 70s went into cardiopulmonary arrest while preparing to dive, and CPR was performed on the boat.
The man was visiting Okinawa from Chiba Prefecture as a tourist, and entered the water from the dive boat at around 8:17 a.m.
He was swimming wearing only a diving mask when, a few minutes later, he suddenly lost consciousness.
Boat staff pulled him onto the boat, performed CPR and called for help, but after he was taken to a hospital, he was pronounced dead at 10:35 a.m.
As we get older, our bodies sometimes cannot keep up with the changes underwater.
To lower the risk, it is a good idea to exercise regularly.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
2. Man loses consciousness while diving off Minna Island and dies after being taken to hospital
On July 10, 2024, an Australian man in his 70s lost consciousness while diving in the sea east of Minna Island in Motobu Town and died.
He was diving about 250 meters from shore, and although he was quickly taken to a hospital in the northern part of the main island, he was pronounced dead at around 11:00 the same day.
No matter how quick the response is, sometimes it is still not in time.
If you dive, please learn the basic procedures and knowledge so that you can use an AED and perform CPR.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
3. Dive tour customer briefly loses consciousness in Tokashiki Village
On June 1, 2024, at the dive spot "Arari" on the east side of Tokashiki Village, a man in his 70s nearly drowned while diving and surfaced unconscious.
An emergency call was made to 118 through the fire department, and the man was taken to a clinic in the village.
He reportedly regained consciousness afterward.
Note: 118 is the emergency phone number for incidents and accidents at sea. If you are going to dive, make sure you remember it!
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
4. Man dies during an introductory dive in Zamami Village, Okinawa Prefecture
On October 10, 2023, two fatal water accidents occurred one after the other in the waters around Zamami Village, Okinawa Prefecture.
In the first, a report came in at around 10:00 a.m. that a man in his 60s was receiving CPR at Kabi Beach on Kabi Island.
The man had been taking part in an introductory dive tour, and according to the Naha Coast Guard Office, he had been active offshore since around 9:30 a.m.
After being brought to Zamami Port, he was pronounced dead at around 10:00 a.m. by a doctor who arrived by air ambulance helicopter.
In the second, a report came in at around 1:30 p.m. the same day that "someone is drowning" off Geruma Island.
A man in his 30s was rescued in cardiopulmonary arrest and taken to a hospital by air ambulance helicopter, but he was pronounced dead at around 2:00 p.m.
It is essential to have a way to communicate so that you can call for help right away in an emergency.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
5. Woman from Shizuoka Prefecture dies while diving off Kabira in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
On August 25, 2023, a woman in her 50s from Shizuoka Prefecture who was diving off Kabira in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, reported that something was wrong underwater and ascended to the surface with her instructor.
After climbing onto the boat on her own, she went into cardiopulmonary arrest and was taken to a hospital in the city, where she was pronounced dead at around 1:00 a.m. on the 26th.
If you feel anything unusual in your body while diving, speak up about it, even if it seems minor, before it is too late.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
6. Seven divers adrift at Rukan Reef
On June 19, 2023, an accident occurred in which seven divers drifted away at Rukan Reef, about 12 kilometers west of Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture.
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, the boat lost sight of the divers because the rope connecting the divers to the spherical float had come loose.
The seven were two instructors and five customers from outside the prefecture, and they were doing a drift dive, in which divers move along with the current.
The captain had planned to pick up the seven at the spot where the float surfaced at around 11:00.
However, the seven did not surface even after the scheduled time, and at around 11:20 it was discovered that the rope had come loose.
The seven noticed during the dive that the rope had come off and hurried to the surface, so fortunately it did not become a serious accident.
It can be said that they escaped trouble by staying calm and making the right decisions even after the rope came loose.
Underwater, it is important not to panic and to always act calmly.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
7. Woman in her 70s taken to hospital after diving in Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, dies
On June 10, 2023, an accident occurred in the sea about 300 meters northeast of Hirabanare Island in Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.
A woman in her 70s from Nagano Prefecture who was taking part in a dive tour complained of feeling unwell and made an emergency ascent.
Afterward, an emergency call was made to 118 because she was unconscious, and she was taken to a hospital.
According to the Ishigaki Coast Guard Office, a doctor at the hospital pronounced her dead at around 1:00 a.m. on the 11th, and it was officially announced at 10:00 a.m. the same day.
Older people are more likely to feel unwell because of water temperature and weather.
It is important for their companions to be very careful as well and to look after their health.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
8. Fatal diving accident in Miyakojima: male dive operator referred to prosecutors
On August 13, 2020, a woman in her 50s died while diving at the "Shipwreck Point" off Irabu Island in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.
The Miyakojima Coast Guard Office referred the man, who was an instructor at the time and in his 30s, to prosecutors on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death, saying he failed to keep a close watch on his customer and that her rescue was delayed.
Even veteran instructors can overlook a sign that something is wrong, so it is important to protect your own life yourself.
Source: Ryukyu Shimpo
9. Tourist dies while diving at Cape Zanpa
On October 19, 2024, about 150 meters off Cape Zanpa in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, a man in his 60s from Osaka Prefecture who was diving went into cardiopulmonary arrest after his dive.
He was taken to a hospital, but was pronounced dead about two hours later.
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, the man was visiting Okinawa as a tourist and was diving with his son.
For sudden changes in condition during a dive, it is said that participants' health management and understanding of the environment are important.
To prevent future accidents, both instructors and participants are expected to prepare thoroughly.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
10. South Korean tourist dies while diving at Shimoji Island, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
On October 7, 2024, at Nakanoshima Beach on Shimoji Island, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, friends found a South Korean tourist in his 30s lying on the seabed about 180 meters offshore.
His friends pulled him onto the beach and he was taken to a hospital in the city in cardiopulmonary arrest, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 10:00 p.m. the same day.
At sea, it is common to be swept far away after looking away for just a moment.
It is also important for family members and friends to watch out for one another.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
11. 54-year-old woman dies while diving off Aka Island, Zamami
On November 25, 2018, a call was made to 118 reporting that a woman in her 40s from Ishikawa Prefecture who was diving about 40 meters off the south side of Aka Island in Zamami Village, Okinawa Prefecture, had lost consciousness.
She was taken to a hospital in Urasoe City and was pronounced dead at around 5:00 p.m.
Many accidents during diving have unknown causes, and it is common for them to happen suddenly, without any warning.
Please keep in mind that diving is not only fun but also has its dangers.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
12. Ishigaki dive boat capsizes, 8 people including visitors from outside the prefecture rescued
On October 28, 2018, a report came in that a dive boat had capsized about 1.3 kilometers off the east side of Taketomi Island, throwing those on board into the sea.
A sightseeing ferry company that was passing nearby reportedly notified the Ishigaki Coast Guard Office.
Eight people, including visitors from outside the prefecture, were rescued safely, and being in perfect physical condition may have been one of the reasons they survived.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
13. Woman diver dies at Daido Coast in Itoman
On October 27, 2018, a 119 call was made reporting that a diver who had been swimming at Daido Coast in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, was "unconscious underwater."
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, a woman in her 20s from Aichi Prefecture, who was visiting as a tourist, was taken to a hospital by ambulance in cardiopulmonary arrest and was pronounced dead about seven hours later.
You never know what might happen while diving.
So, as much as possible, focus on getting yourself into good shape the day before.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
14. Man dies during a diving lesson off Kurima Fishing Port on Kurima Island
On August 5, 2018, a male tourist in his 50s from Chiba Prefecture drowned off Kurima Fishing Port on Kurima Island in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, was taken to a hospital, and was pronounced dead about two hours later.
According to the Miyakojima Coast Guard Office, the man and his family were taking a diving lesson from an instructor about 10 meters offshore from a quay near the fishing port.
Even when you dive accompanied by an instructor, be careful not to let your guard down.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
15. Man, 47, who complained of feeling unwell while diving at Zamami Island, dies
On March 29, 2020, a man in his 40s who was taking part in a dive tour off Zamami Island, Okinawa Prefecture, complained of feeling unwell and then lost consciousness.
About 50 minutes later, he was pronounced dead at a clinic on the island where he had been taken.
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, the man had been diving with one staff member since around 9:00 a.m. at a dive point called "Dragon Lady."
When you are not feeling well, it is also essential to cancel your dive.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
16. Man in his 70s loses consciousness while diving at Cape Maeda, Onna Village
On April 7, 2019, a call was made to 118 reporting that a man who was diving about 300 meters off Cape Maeda in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, had drowned.
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, a man in his 70s who had come from Shizuoka Prefecture with friends lost consciousness while ascending with an instructor.
When you descend and ascend while diving, your body is placed under heavy strain.
It is important to follow the instructor's directions and let your body adjust slowly.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
17. Man dies after being unable to climb onto a dive boat off Zamami Island on his own
On August 13, 2021, a call was made to 118 from a dive boat off Zamami Island, Okinawa Prefecture, reporting that "a man who had been diving has become unconscious."
A man in his 40s who was taking part in a dive tour with a friend reportedly lost consciousness on the boat after finishing the dive, and was pronounced dead about an hour later at a clinic where he had been taken.
If you have a chronic condition of the lungs, heart or other organs, you are more susceptible to the effects of diving.
Get regular health checkups and make sure you are in a condition where diving poses no problem.
Source: Okinawa Times Plus
18. Man in his 60s dies while diving in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture
On October 19, 2024, a water accident occurred near the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse in Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, in which a man in his 60s from Osaka Prefecture who was taking part in a dive tour died.
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, an instructor reported at around 10:00 a.m. that "a man has gone into cardiopulmonary arrest."
The man was taken to a hospital in cardiopulmonary arrest, but was pronounced dead about two hours later.
It has been confirmed that at the time of the accident, the regulator he needed to breathe had come out of his mouth and he was panicking at a depth of about 3 meters.
By the time the instructor pulled him up to the surface, he reportedly was already not breathing.
During a dive, it is important never to panic, even if an emergency occurs.
Source: CATCHY
19. Dive boat capsizes off Shimoji Island, everyone rescued safely
In August 2023, a dive boat carrying 20 people capsized off Shimoji Island in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.
The Japan Transport Safety Board published a report stating that the cause was operating the boat with the partition board at the rear removed, which allowed seawater to flow into the engine room.
In this accident, everyone was rescued safely and no one was injured.
The investigation found that the partition board had been removed to make diving more convenient, but with the board removed, the passenger limit should have been 11 people. (20 people were on board at the time of the accident.)
In summer, when tourist numbers peak, there is also a risk that an instructor's capacity may be exceeded.
If something about how a tour is managed feels off to you, declining to join it can be the right decision.
Source: Okinawa Television Broadcasting
20. Woman dies while diving at the "Blue Cave" in Onna Village
On May 26, 2024, a woman in her 50s who was diving at the dive spot "Blue Cave" in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, lost consciousness and was later confirmed dead.
According to the Naha Coast Guard Office, at around 11:30 a.m., an employee of a marine shop reported that "a woman has lost consciousness and we are performing chest compressions."
The woman was taken to a hospital unconscious, and was later confirmed dead.
No matter how much you prepare and take precautions, the unexpected can still happen.
Just in case, it is also important to take out insurance that covers diving.
Source: RBC
Diving accidents across Japan average "about 50" a year
Across Japan, an average of "about 50" diving accidents are reported each year.
Of those, "about 30%" are fatal accidents or missing-person cases.
Here is a rough breakdown of the fatal accidents.
- Drowning: being unable to breathe underwater and getting water in the lungs
- Illness: caused by an illness that occurs during a dive, such as decompression sickness (the bends) or a heart attack
- Failure to return: accidents in which a diver is swept away by a current or loses sight of the boat
By age group, there is also data showing that middle-aged and older people account for most of the accidents.
As people get older, their diving experience grows, and it is also the time when they take on drift diving and deeper dives.
This is considered a major factor, because it overlaps with the period when physical strength begins to decline.
That said, accidents among young people do certainly happen, even if the numbers are small, so please keep your guard up when you dive.
Three main causes of diving accidents, analyzed from real cases
1. Cases of physical problems due to age
When older people dive, entering the water without noticing a change in their health can lead to an accident.
This is because, with age, cardiopulmonary function declines and the effects of chronic conditions increase, and in many cases people cannot cope with a sudden illness.
Even if you do not notice any change in daily life, the unfamiliar strain of being underwater can sometimes cause unexpected physical problems.
Typical examples
- Cases in which divers in their 50s or older go into cardiopulmonary arrest while preparing at the surface or during the dive
- Cases in which signs of feeling unwell during a dive were overlooked and the diver continued, with the result that rescue came too late
Prevention
- Get regular health checkups and always keep track of your health
- The day before diving, avoid alcohol, get plenty of rest and get yourself into good condition
- Tell your instructor right away if anything feels wrong
In particular, as your diving experience grows and you take on new challenges, pay even more attention to your physical condition than usual.
2. Cases of getting carried away by the excitement of a fun experience
This case is common in accidents among young people, where the extraordinary experience of diving gets them so carried away that they push themselves too far.
Becoming so absorbed in the charm of the sea that you overlook your own limits or the safety rules can lead to an accident.
Follow your instructor's directions, and when you feel something is wrong, have the courage to stop the dive even if it inconveniences the other participants.
Typical examples
- Cases in which a diver strays away from the designated area or group and is swept away
- Cases in which a diver tries to force themselves to keep up with their companions' pace and makes a serious mistake
Prevention
- Choose a shallow-water dive suited to beginners
- Instructors should stress the importance of following the rules and not make participants push themselves
- Diving suits some people more than others, so go at your own pace
Diving is fun, but never forget that it goes hand in hand with danger.
If your goal is to have a lively, fun time with friends, marine sports such as snorkeling may be a better fit.
When you take part in diving, make sure you can always make calm decisions.
3. Cases of instructor error
Instructors are not perfect either, so insufficient monitoring or errors in judgment can cause accidents.
On summer tours with many beginners, an instructor's ability to respond is greatly affected.
Rather than thinking "it must be fine because the instructor checked" or "it must be fine because no one has warned me," make sure each person can make their own judgments.
Typical examples
- Cases in which a diver's illness was noticed too late and rescue did not arrive in time
- Cases in which a lax check of the diving equipment led to an accident
Prevention
- Instructors regularly carry out emergency simulation training
- Set up a system in which several people keep watch, reducing situations that go unseen
- Check equipment thoroughly and maintain it regularly
In cases like these, there is no doubt that the instructor's shortcomings were a major cause.
Still, we recommend taking part in diving on the premise that you protect your own life yourself.
Three ways to avoid accidents when diving in Okinawa
The photo above was quoted from an image kindly provided to us.
Here are three measures we especially want you to take to avoid accidents when diving in Okinawa.
Be sure to follow them and make your dive an enjoyable one.
1. Always follow your instructor's directions
To stay safe while diving, following your instructor's directions is the most important thing.
Instructors make appropriate decisions based on sea conditions and the participants' physical condition.
If you ignore their directions, you may wander into a dangerous area or become unable to surface.
For example, if you take lightly a direction such as "be careful with your buoyancy adjustment in places with strong currents," it can lead to an unexpected accident.
To enjoy Okinawa's beautiful ocean, it is important to always listen to your instructor's guidance.
2. Don't neglect your own safety checks
Diving is not something to leave entirely to the instructor; you also need to be mindful of safety management yourself.
Not overlooking equipment problems or changes in how you feel is the first step toward preventing accidents.
For example, check your regulator and get ready to equalize your ears carefully before you go down.
Also, if something feels off with your health, do not push yourself, and it is important to tell your instructor early.
By not getting too carried away by the Okinawan sea and keeping the awareness to protect yourself, you can dive safely.
3. Don't get complacent just because you have gotten used to it
As you get used to diving, it is easy to become overconfident and let your guard down, and this is often the cause of accidents.
For example, taking on an area with strong currents just when you have gotten used to diving is extremely dangerous.
No matter how much experience you have, nature is unpredictable, so careful behavior is always required.
Also, even veterans can overlook basic safety rules, so never forget the beginner's mindset.
Don't try to make difficult judgments on your own; it is important to dive in cooperation with your instructor and your buddies.
How to find a tour company where you can dive safely in Okinawa
The key to enjoying a diving experience in Okinawa with peace of mind is choosing a tour company you can trust.
Look for tours with experienced instructors and plans with solid support for beginners.
Here are some tips for finding a tour company.
- Reviews and reputation: When there have been accidents or trouble, these tend to be poor. Relying on participants' voices makes it easier to choose a safe experience.
- The tour company's website: Some less reputable tour companies have no website or one that is not kept up to date. Check whether the website is properly maintained.
- Staff and tour details: What kind of staff and services they offer, and how complete they are, also relate to safety. Also, when the services are not described in detail, there may be unexpected pitfalls, such as a fee for renting equipment.
In addition to the above, check whether information about safety measures and the emergency response system is clearly stated.
Furthermore, by also looking at how the equipment used on the tour is maintained and at the instructors' qualifications, you can choose a tour you can join with greater peace of mind.
If you get in good shape on the day of your dive and stay aware of the dangers, you can enjoy it safely!
Managing your physical condition is extremely important for diving.
The day before, make sure to get enough sleep and not to drink alcohol or the like.
If you feel unwell during a dive, do not push yourself; it is essential to honestly tell your instructor.
The water in Okinawa is very clear and comfortable, but you are dealing with the great outdoors, and no one knows what might happen or when.
That is why always staying aware of the dangers leads to safety.
It is also important to understand the instructions correctly at the briefing before the dive and to get used to how the equipment works.
Get fully prepared and enjoy Okinawa's beautiful ocean safely!
Q&A about diving accidents in Okinawa
What preparation do I need to prevent accidents when diving in Okinawa?
Above all, managing your physical condition comes first.
Get plenty of sleep the day before, and avoid alcohol and taking any new medication (such as sleeping pills).
Before you go down, it is important to listen carefully to the instructor's briefing and check your equipment yourself.
If anything concerns you, ask questions proactively, and always keep in mind that accidents can happen.
Knowing how a dive goes and the basic knowledge in advance will give you even more confidence.
What kind of rescue system is in place if something goes wrong while diving in Okinawa?
On many diving tours, the guides have been trained in emergency response and always carry oxygen supply equipment and a means of communication.
Also, in Okinawa, some tour companies have partnerships with nearby hospitals, and rescue is carried out promptly in an emergency.
When diving in Okinawa, is there less to worry about in terms of accidents if I join a tour with an instructor?
Tours with an instructor can be said to carry a lower risk of accidents.
Instructors provide support suited to each participant's skills and physical condition and respond quickly in an emergency, so you can feel reassured.
However, following directions is important, and please remember that in the end your own judgment matters most.
For example, if you notice something wrong with your health, you should report it to your instructor promptly and stop the dive.
Forcing yourself to continue diving without doing so can, at worst, lead to a fatal accident.
Do I need to buy insurance for diving in Okinawa?
To prepare for the risk of accidents, we recommend taking out travel insurance that includes diving.
Examples include PayPay Insurance's "Chokotto Insurance Umi Daisuki Plan" and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance's "1DAY Leisure Insurance."
In particular, treatment for decompression sickness, which is more likely when you dive deep, is expensive, so having insurance lets you enjoy yourself with peace of mind.
Note: The services covered by the insurance products introduced here may change, so be sure to check the insurance plan before you apply.
How can a beginner find a tour they can enjoy safely when diving in Okinawa?
Choose a tour labeled "for beginners" or "introductory diving."
The key points are whether it has high ratings in reviews and whether instructors accompany participants in an appropriate ratio to the number of people.
If anything about a diving tour concerns you, we also recommend contacting them before booking.
Also, a tour company whose website is not well maintained is evidence that they are short on staff.
So, searching by how polished the website looks is one approach.
Summary
Diving in Okinawa's beautiful ocean is a memorable experience for everyone.
On the other hand, if you take safety lightly, there is a risk of accidents.
Every year, several diving accidents are reported in Okinawa, but most of them are caused by insufficient preparation or overlooking basic rules.
To enjoy diving safely, it is essential to follow your instructor's directions and manage your physical condition thoroughly.
Also, choose a trustworthy tour company, and do not forget to check your own equipment and your health condition yourself.
Finally, taking out insurance and knowing emergency measures in case of the worst are also important.
By preparing well and joining with the right knowledge, diving in Okinawa can be an amazing experience.
Through diving in Okinawa's sea, we hope you enjoy both the beauty of nature and the challenge it brings.
Go ahead and book your dive, and enjoy the wonderful underwater world with safety first!
