Dive Boat Captain Dies After Hair Gets Caught In Engine
POSTED: Monday, August 1, 2005
UPDATED: 12:59 pm EDT August 1,
2005
KEY WEST, Fla. -- A Key West dive boat captain died when his hair got caught in the vessel's engine Friday.
Ralph Chiaro worked for Subtropic Dive Center in Key West. The 36-year-old was driving the company's 42-foot Island Diver back from the reef Friday afternoon when he leaned into the hatch for some engine maintenance.
The company said he became entangled in the engine's machinery and died instantly.
Chiaro had been at Subtropic for seven years, working his way up to lead captain and marine safety officer. He had a degree from Florida Keys Community College in diving technologies.
The Coast Guard is investigating.
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