Gas Embolism, cause of death of the Japanese woman in Bohol

Miami
July 24, 2008
Story 2: Gas Embolism, cause of death of the Japanese woman in Bohol

Caisson’s disease commonly known as gas embolism is the cause of death of the Japanese woman who died during a diving activity in Bohol last July 20, 2008.

Michiyo Higaki, 58, was with her husband Iwayoshi Higaki. On the latest report that was gathered the two arrived last July 19, 8:30 am and checked-in at Hidden Coral Resort in Songculan, Dauis, Bohol.

The victim died while on their diving activity. According to Dr. Nestor Sator, Chief of Crime Laboratory in Region 7, located in Cebu City who conducted autopsy on the body said that she suffered from gas embolism which can only be experienced once a person is under water.

On his explanation, Dr. Sator said, “Gas embolism being caused by change in atmospheric pressure.
When you go deeper the more you are expose to greater atmospheric pressure and disillusion of gasses. Also, when you go up in a hasty manner it will cause gas bubbles in blood stream.”

He added that the gas bubbles in the blood stream can blocked small blood vessel then to the vital organs like lungs, brains, and heart. “With her, the affected vital organs are her lungs; she experienced difficulty in breathing that lead to her instant death.”

It could be recalled that from Dauis, they sailed to Black Forest Diving Point Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol. Arrived at around 9:00 am and started their diving activity.

The victim sank deeper until 27 meters deep of the water surface. Prompting for the Japanese diving instructor Kiwamu Ueno to swim after the victim, hold and float back the victim up to 13 meters deep.
Victim responded through hand signal the OK signal. After few minutes, the victim kicked her feet and ascended up to more or less 7 meters deep. When the victim was already at the 7 meters deep the Japanese instructor noticed that the victim is not responding on the hand signals that he is giving and not moving anymore.

Based on the latest report gathered by Panglao Police Station, the body of the victim and her husband already went back to Japan on July 24, 2008. Their flight schedule is bound from and to Cebu-Manila-Nagoya PR 844-ETD 6:45 am (Cebu to Manila) to connect with PR 438 ETD 1:35 noon. Estimated arrival in Nagoya is 6:30 pm.