A tragic scuba diving accident in Argentina has taken a new legal turn after authorities charged a diving instructor with manslaughter following the death of 23-year-old Sofia Devries. The incident, which occurred during an advanced scuba certification dive earlier this year, has raised serious questions about underwater safety procedures, instructor responsibilities, and adherence to professional diving standards.
Investigators allege that the instructor failed to follow mandatory safety protocols during the dive, leading prosecutors to open a criminal case. The investigation is continuing to determine whether the case will proceed to trial.
What Happened During the Dive?
According to investigators, the incident occurred on February 16 near Punta Cuevas Historical Park in Puerto Madryn, Chubut Province, Argentina.
Sofia Devries was participating in an advanced scuba certification course alongside her partner and several other divers. The group was exploring the Hu Shun Yu 809 artificial reef, a popular underwater attraction created when a fishing vessel was intentionally sunk in 2017 to provide habitat for marine life and attract recreational divers.
Sofia Devries Disappears Underwater
During the dive, the group descended to approximately 65 feet (around 20 meters) underwater.
Authorities say visibility deteriorated beneath the surface, causing divers to become separated. Prosecutors allege that Sofia and her partner became isolated from the main group.
Investigators believe Sofia experienced distress while underwater. Reports indicate she attempted to remove her breathing regulator, a potentially dangerous reaction that can occur during panic or a medical emergency beneath the surface.
Despite efforts by her partner to help her reach safety, she lost access to her air supply and disappeared underwater.
Massive Search Ends in Tragedy
When Sofia failed to resurface, fellow divers immediately launched a search.
Emergency responders, specialist divers, and rescue teams searched the area for two days before recovering her body near the dive site.
Authorities located her body close to the artificial reef where the group had been training.
Instructor Charged With Manslaughter
Months after the fatal accident, prosecutors charged 26-year-old diving instructor Thiago Nahuel Pocovi with manslaughter.
According to prosecutors, Pocovi allegedly:
- Failed to comply with professional diving safety regulations.
- Violated established instructor safety protocols.
- Did not adequately supervise the group during challenging underwater conditions.
- Continued the dive despite circumstances investigators believe increased the risk to participants.
The criminal investigation was formally approved by Judge Marcela Pérez Bogado, allowing prosecutors to continue gathering evidence before deciding whether to bring the case to trial.
Court Proceedings Begin
Pocovi appeared virtually during a court hearing from Buenos Aires.
According to local reports, he did not provide a formal defense statement during the initial hearing.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office will now:
- Interview additional witnesses.
- Review dive equipment.
- Analyze underwater procedures.
- Examine instructor responsibilities.
- Determine whether sufficient evidence exists for a criminal trial.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Questions About Safety Protocols
The prosecution’s case centers on whether accepted scuba diving safety standards were properly followed.
Among the issues investigators are examining include:
Group Supervision
Professional instructors are generally expected to maintain visual contact with students, particularly during certification dives.
Environmental Conditions
Authorities are reviewing whether underwater visibility and dive conditions should have prompted changes to the dive plan.
Emergency Response
Investigators are also examining whether emergency procedures were followed appropriately once Sofia showed signs of distress.
These findings will play a significant role in determining whether criminal negligence occurred.
About the Dive Site
The dive took place around the Hu Shun Yu 809 artificial reef in Golfo Nuevo, one of Argentina’s best-known recreational diving locations.
The site was created by intentionally sinking a former fishing vessel in 2017. Today it attracts divers interested in exploring marine life and underwater structures while pursuing advanced diving certifications.
Diving Community Reacts
The case has generated significant attention within Argentina’s diving community and internationally.
Many instructors say the tragedy highlights the importance of:
- Strict adherence to dive safety procedures.
- Careful assessment of underwater conditions.
- Continuous supervision during training dives.
- Immediate recognition of signs of panic or distress underwater.
While the investigation continues, diving professionals emphasize that scuba diving remains a safe recreational activity when proper training, equipment, and established safety protocols are followed.
Investigation Continues
The criminal case against Thiago Nahuel Pocovi remains in its investigative stage. Prosecutors must determine whether the available evidence supports moving forward with a full trial.
For Sofia Devries’ family, the legal proceedings represent an effort to establish accountability for the events that led to the loss of the 23-year-old diver during what was supposed to be a routine certification dive.
Authorities have not yet announced when a final decision regarding prosecution will be made.
