ene
was p§obably a total loss. A detailed investigation report is available.
here were two apparent drownings involving TG 7.1 personnel on approved recreatéshal-ectivities. The first, Evan George Lenont, SC employee,
on April 29, 1956, was found submerged in shallow water, three to four feet
deep, at the Parry Island beach.
to submersion - drowning.
Subsequent autopsy showed asphyxia due
,
The second, Earl Lee Phillips, Bremerton Naval Shipyard (on tem-~
porary duty with TG 7.1, TU-3) on June 14, 1956, was found floating near
the Parry Island Beach. Post-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 task group personnel.
Other than the above, accidents in recreational activities, although
numerous, were minor in nature. It seemed that there was rather more
talk and stronger feeling on the subject of the perils of the tropical seas
than were prevalent in previous operations.
;
Notwithstanding this preoccu- *
pation, there were no accidents to TG 7.1 involving tropical seas fauna.
.
One TG 7.3 sailor while spear fishing in shallow water in the Bikini lagoon=
was bitten 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 preparatory to the Redwing operation.
Several specimens of the venomous stone fish were captured in authorized lagoon swimming areas. Displays of the photographs: and specimens
warned personnel of this animal’s appearance and habits. *
*Previous to Redwing there was some discussion of netting swimming
areas and it might be predicted that this subject will again appear prior to
the next operation at the PPG. We believe that experience does not warrant such questionable protective measures unless they receive the endorsement of experts on tropical fish. In other words, a decision to install nets
should not be a command decision without full approval of recognized au-
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 be 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 per-
sonnel. TG 7.3 did not permit its use unless the individual had been graduated from the Navy underwatertraining school.
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