A civil engineer from Kerala died in Dubai on Friday while undergoing a scuba diving session at Jumeirah Beach. Isaac Paul Olakkengil, 29, hailed from Naduvilangadi, Thrissur. He died of heart attack, which was reportedly caused by oxygen deprivation.
His wife Reshma and brother Ivan, also attended the diving session. They went to Jumeirah Beach for scuba diving during the Bakrid holidays. Ivan who suffered injuries and collapsed on reaching hosptial is undergoing treatment. He is said to be out of danger.
Both Isaac and Reshma are engineers based in Dubai while Ivin, also an engineer, is working in Abu Dhabi. The trio was undergoing training at a desginated training area when the incident happened. They had also received training in a swimming pool before heading to the beach.
Police have seized the diving equipment as part of their probe. Isaac's body will be repatriated to Kerala after completing the legal procedures.
Will scuba diving cause heart attack?
Scuba diving can cause heart attacks on individuals with underlying heart conditions because of the increased pressure and physical exertion, according to the US National Institute of Health. The increased ambient pressure causes blood to shift from extremities to the central circulation and thereby overloading the heart.
Another reason is the diving reflex, which can be triggered by cold water, reducing the heart rate and constricting the blood vessels. People with high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are also at risk of experiencing cardiac events.
