MANNS HARBOR, NC – A Maryland-based contractor’s safety lapses led to the fatal injury of a 47-year-old diver during a June 2024 underwater test at the Manns Harbor Bridge on Croatan Sound. The diver, part of a four-member team employed by Coastal Gunite Construction Co., became unresponsive just after descending to a depth of 19 feet on his first day of work. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the diver could not be revived.

Investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed significant safety failures, including Coastal Gunite's failure to assess the diver’s fitness for the task, lack of first aid supplies, and improper air intake positioning. Additionally, the company did not conduct regular air purity tests on its compressor systems.

“Ensuring employees are physically fit for commercial diving is a fundamental part of workplace safety,” said OSHA Area Office Director Kim Morton. “Employers have a duty to protect their workers by implementing strict safety protocols and thorough pre-employment evaluations, particularly in high-risk industries like commercial diving. This tragic incident could have been prevented.”

Coastal Gunite Construction was cited for four serious violations and faces penalties of $40,329, the maximum allowed by law. The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the citations.

Coastal Gunite Construction, based in Cambridge, Maryland, has provided structural shotcrete services since 1983 and employs divers for marine infrastructure work. For more details on workplace safety, visit OSHA’s website.