Had to choose between using my dive knife or a pry bar to free a stuck lift bag in 40 feet of murky water off Port Townsend

I went with the pry bar because the knife seemed too risky near the bag and line, and ended up accidentally ripping the bag open when it shot loose. Anyone else had a tool choice go completely sideways on a job?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason_ward1mo ago

...huh, @troy_owens, I get what you're saying, but 40 feet of murky water is different than 40 feet of clear water. You lose visibility real fast, and currents can be tricky around Port Townsend. If the bag's stuck on something like a cable or wreckage, yanking on it could wrap you up too. Plus, swimming up with a torn bag and gear while disoriented isn't as simple as it sounds... especially if you're solo or the tide's starting to move. I'd rather take my time and risk ripping the bag than end up fighting my way out of a line entanglement down there.

troy_owens1mo ago

Wait is getting cut loose in 40 feet really that big of a deal though? Feels like you could have just grabbed it and swam up.

richard_shah1mo ago

All that caution just to butcher the bag anyway, so was the extra risk really worth avoiding?