The Tragic Tale of Thomas Brian Ellis – Ginnie Springs Cave Dive Gone Wrong

Incident Location	Diver Names
Florida, Gilchrist County	Thomas Brian Ellis

Just like any other day, Thomas Brian Ellis drove his truck to Ginnie Springs in a bid to dive the Devil’s Eye for an ongoing survey he was carrying out at the cave system. All geared up and filled with passion for his cause, he dived into the clear water and started his exploration. But his dive took an unexpected turn.

Ginnie Springs and Devil’s Eye Cave

In Gilchrist County, Florida, there’s a privately owned water recreation facility called Ginnie Springs Outdoors LLC, or Ginnie Springs for short. The land has several springs that are related to the Floridan aquifer, including the well-known Devil’s Eye cave. Devil’s Eye cave is a breathtaking underwater cave system known for its crystal clear water and unique limestone formations. It is a must-see for any certified cave diver.

The cave system is made up of several interconnected chambers and passages that divers can explore. The main attraction of the cave is the Devil’s Eye, a large underwater sinkhole that divers can swim through. Devil’s Eye is only accessible to certified cave divers and requires advanced diving skills and equipment. The clear water and excellent visibility make it a popular destination for divers from all over the world. The cave system is home to a variety of aquatic life, including fish and crustaceans, which can be seen swimming in and around the limestone formations. The year-round visibility is 100 feet or more, and the water is a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ginnie Springs Outdoors LLC also offers cave diving courses for divers interested in exploring the cave system but do not have the necessary skills and certification.

Thomas’s Fateful Dive

On January 20th, 2021, Thomas Brian Ellis embarked on another day of adventure. Thomas, a graduate of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, was known for his caring nature and outgoing demeanor. He said goodbye to his wife and drove his truck to Ginnie Springs for an ongoing survey of the Devil’s Eye cave. After parking in the lot, he made his way to the cave. As Thomas was gearing up, he met a fellow cave diver, and they engaged in a conversation about his ongoing survey.

Thomas started his solo dive at approximately noon, descending a line that led into the cave. Inside, he explored the various tunnels and chambers of the cave system. The cave had narrow passages but also had large open areas that allowed for easy maneuvering. The visibility in the cave was mostly excellent, with crystal clear water. Divers could witness the beauty of the large circular chamber at the end of the cave, lit by sunlight filtering through the underwater entrance.

The Search for Thomas

Thomas’s wife contacted the Ginnie Springs staff on January 21st, 2021, expressing her concern as she hadn’t heard from her husband since the morning of January 20th. The Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office and the International Underwater Cave Rescue and Recovery team were informed. An inquiry was initiated, and interviews were conducted with Thomas’s friend and the other cave diver he chatted with before the dive.

Two dive teams were formed on January 21st, 2021, to search for Thomas. The first dive crew from the International Underwater Cave Rescue and Recovery team reached the Devil’s Eye cave system and started their dive. After penetrating around 4600 feet, they discovered Thomas’s equipment, including his diver propulsion vehicle (dpv) and stage cylinder, clipped onto the main guideline at a penetration of 3000 feet. The primary light on Thomas’s helmet was operational and on. They eventually found Thomas at a penetration of 5800 feet. He was facing into the cave, somewhat negatively buoyant, and in a regular swimming stance.

The Recovery and Investigation

After the successful recovery, Thomas’s equipment was taken for examination. The medical examiner determined accidental drowning as the cause of death. Analysis of Thomas’s dive computer data revealed that around 85 minutes into the dive, no oxygen was delivered to the loop. It appeared that an inline slider shutoff valve on the oxygen stream mounted on his chest was unintentionally closed. Thomas kept breathing down the oxygen in the loop until there was not enough left to support him.

Lessons Learned and Remembering Thomas

To avoid such incidents, it is recommended to practice diving with a friend. Redundant equipment can be crucial, and a second set of eyes and ears can help spot anomalies or assist in fixing issues. Additionally, having a supplementary heads-up display (HUD) that warns divers of dropping po2 levels can provide valuable time to take corrective actions.

Thomas’s tragic loss deeply impacted his loved ones, friends, and the communities he was a part of. He was remembered as a beloved friend, spouse, uncle, grandfather, and father. His caring nature and energetic spirit will be greatly missed.

Conclusion: The unexpected tragedy at Ginnie Springs serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges associated with cave diving. Despite its natural beauty, cave diving requires advanced skills, preparation, and awareness. It is essential to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Before your next dive, consider insurance – it’s like having a dive buddy for unexpected challenges. Dive safe, dive covered. Explore options here

FAQ