Deadly gases in diver’s scuba tank

FISHERIES Queensland director Andrew Thwaites died from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide toxicity after his scuba tank was filled with “grossly high” levels of the dangerous gases, an inquest has heard.

It has also been alleged in court other tanks filled from the same compressor at the Underwater Research Group of Queensland clubhouse were found to have been contaminated with higher than usual levels of the gases.

Mr Thwaites drowned during a dive at Henderson Rock off the east coast of Brisbane’s Moreton Island on August 10, 2016.

The 44-year-old’s body was found by police divers the next day in a rocky outcrop near the sea floor.

The inquest is set down for the remainder of the week.