My umbilical hose got pinched between two cargo containers at the Port of Miami last Tuesday

I was doing a hull inspection about 20 feet down when I felt my air supply start to cut out, heart rate spiked as I realized the hose was wedged tight between those steel walls, and I had to signal my tender to pull me up while I yanked it free - has anyone else had a hose getched like that in tight spots?

3 comments

3 Comments

daniel1401mo ago

Yo that's gnarly! Pinched hose is no joke, especially 20 feet down. I had a similar thing happen but it was my backup reg hose getting caught on a ladder rung at a shipyard in Norfolk. Talk about a moment of panic when you feel that tug and realize you're anchored to something. Your best bet in tight spots is to use a shorter hose or a swivel fitting. Keeps the slack from getting jammed in between stuff. Also, check your air supply connections after you surface just to make sure the hose isn't kinked from the squeeze.

the_jennifer1mo ago

Daniel, that Norfolk story really hits home. It's funny how what happens underwater often mirrors what happens on land just with higher stakes. I've noticed people get themselves into jams above the surface the exact same way too much slack in a situation that demands tight control, whether it's a garden hose around a fence post or an extension cord under a desk. We all underestimate how quickly loose ends can snag and turn a simple task into a real headache. Your advice about using a shorter hose or a swivel is just as smart for avoiding tripping hazards on dry ground as it is for staying safe down below.

tarabell1mo ago

Gotta disagree, David's right that a kinked hose is way scarier down deep than tripping over an extension cord.