Biography

Dr Shravana Kumar Jyoti is presently working as a consultant Pathologist at HSA hospital, Georgetown Cayman Islands since 2009. He has received postgraduate training in Pathology and obtained MD degree from India (JIPMER Pondicherry). His skills include Histopathology , Cytology and Hematology; and special skills include Forensic pathology. His interests in autopsies include cardiovascular diseases related mortality. Prior to working in Cayman Islands, he worked in Jamaica as a consultant Pathologist at St Ann’s Bay Hospital for five years.

Dr. Mohan Shivaswamy

Jaimin Dudhia

Article Title

Water Related Recreational Fatalities in the Cayman Islands – An Autopsy Study

Abstract

Caribbean region attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Water sports are the dominant recreational sporting activity in most of the region including the Cayman Islands. Water-related deaths are consistently seen every year amongst the tourists. As the authorities are concerned about this alarming trend, a study was needed get a picture of numbers and causes of deaths related to recreational water activities in the Cayman Islands.

Retrospective autopsy study was conducted in Cayman for the period of September 2006-August 2011. Complete autopsy examination with toxicological and histological studies were carried out in deaths related to recreational water activity. Drowning deaths which were not related to recreational water sport activity were not included in the study.

A total of 34 recreational water-related deaths involving 7 nationals were observed in theCayman Islands over the period of 5 years (Sep ‘06-Sep ‘11). Most of the victims were from America (n=25). Water-related activities which terminated fatally were swimming, snorkelling, Jet Ski and recreational sea diving (SCUBA dive). Sea dive (SCUBA) related fatalities were seen in 13 cases. Males were 24 in number and 10 were females. Mean age of death was 59 years and the youngest victim was of 19 years involved in Jet Ski riding. Previous known health conditions were Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus. In 7 of the cases, previous health status was not known. Previous panic attack was significant in one of the drowning cases resulting due to rough and choppy waves and in at least three (3) cases of SCUBA dives.

Pre-existing medical conditions such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus were observed to be risk factors. In some cases the severity of the underlying medical condition was unknown to the victims. Human errors, over exertion, consumption of drugs of abuse, unfavourable environmental factors like cave diving, and limited knowledge of the regional conditions; equipment failures and panic attack were the reason for accidental drowning and SCUBA deaths.

Drugs of abuse and over exertion should be avoided in people with underlying medical conditions. Consideration should be given to introducing medical tests and proper training prior to the water sport activities and emphasis should be given to adequate expert supervision.