Clarence D’Souza, a 42-year-old professional underwater diver from Aldona, tragically died on Tuesday while on a work assignment, police said. GMC authorities received D’Souza’s body at their casualty department after he was found unconscious during an offshore casino operation in Panjim.
According to police, D’Souza, who specialized in cleaning ships underwater on private assignments, had completed all safety protocols and signed the company checklist before diving. The vessel’s captain, Udai Raj Singh Chauhan, and staff member Rajkumar Yadav confirmed that D’Souza and his assistant maintained regular contact throughout the dive.
“For the first four checks, the diver responded to the rope signals from his assistant. On the fifth check, there was no response. The assistant immediately pulled him onto the boat, where he was found unconscious,” police said.
D’Souza was administered CPR and rushed to Campal Clinic, Panaji, but was declared brought dead and later shifted to GMC, Bambolim. PSI Saheen Shetye is leading the investigation into the incident.