In the wake of three recent diving safety incidents in the Ketchikan area, including one fatality, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a statement encouraging divers to review and practice necessary safety precautions and regulations.

According to the Coast Guard, the first incident on Sunday involved a commercial vessel under way that had no immersion suits or flares on board. The Coast Guard directed the skipper to return to port.

On Monday, Coast Guard personnel boarded a second commercial dive boat after it ran aground near Cat Island. That vessel allegedly had multiple safety violations, and also was ordered to return to port after it was refloated. The Coast Guard statement adds that mariners should be well acquainted with the area they are sailing in, and understand how to read charts and tide tables.

The third incident on Tuesday led to the death of 32-year-old Levi Adams of Kansas, who was participating in the commercial sea cucumber dive fishery off Mountain Point. The exact cause of his death remains under investigation.

The Coast Guard recommends that divers review the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association safety tips at http://www.sardfa.org/