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was probably a total loss. A detailed investigation report {s available.
There were two apparent drownings involving TG 7.1 personnel on approved rerreational activities. The first, Evin George Lenont, SC employee,
on April 29, 1956, was found submerged in shallow water, three to four fect
deep, at the Parry Island beach. Subsequeni autopsy showed asphyxia due
to submersion - drowning.
The second, Earl Lee Phillips, Bremerton Naval Shipyard (on temporary duty with TG 7.1, TU-3) on June 14, 1956, was found floating near
the Parry Island Beach. Fost--mortem examination showed death due to
cerebral hemorrhage.
*A detailed report on each of these incidents is available. Both of
these cases emphasize the necessity of careful screening to assure the
physical fitness of all tesk group personne.
Other than the above, accidents In recreational activities, although
numerous, were mincr in nature.
It seeined that there was rather more
talk and stronger feeling on the subject of the perils of the ‘“ropical seas
than were prevalent in previous operations. Notwithstanding this preoccupation, there were no accidents to TG 7.1 involving tropical seas fauna,
One TG 7.3 sailor while spear fishing In shvttow water in the Bikini lagoon
was hitten in the leg by a shark; the individual was returned to duty ina few
weeks, This is the only documented incident of this nature during and pre-paratory tc the Redwing operation,
Several specimens of the venomous stuie fish were captured in au~
thorizcd lagcon swimming arens. Displays of the photographs and specimens
warned personnel of this animal’. appearance and habits.
*Previous to Redwing there was some discussion of netling swimming
areas and it might be predicied that this subject will again appear prior to
the next operation at the Pkt, We believe that experience does not warrant such qucstionable protective measures unless they receive the endorsement of experts on tropical fish. In other words, a decision to instal! nets
snould not be a command decision without full approval of recognized au-
EEEEEee etmn
thorities.
The official stand of the Safety Advisory Group on the use of selfcontained underwater breathing apparatus was that in recreational activities
this was entirely a personal matter; that we would assure the air supplied
to he of an acceptable purity; that the equipment used should be factory
made and the pressure tanks have proof of proper safety tests.
The subject may be expected to produce more, rather than fewer,
problems requiring an official position in future operations. Holmes &
Narver did not permit the recreational use of such equipment by its personnel. TG 7.3 did not permit its use unless the individual had been graduated from the Navy underwater training school.
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