Gal Azoulai
'Naval commando soldier died of oxygen poisoning'
IDF probe rules death of Sergeant Gal Azulai in training exercise last month caused by oxygen poisoning, not faulty equipment. Committee also finds faults in execution of rescue procedure
The death of Shayetet 13 Naval Commando soldier Sergeant Gal Azulai in a training exercise last month was caused by drowning following oxygen poisoning, the IDF reported on Sunday, following an investigation into the incident.
The probe also ruled out the possibility that the equipment used by Azulai was faulty.
The investigation team, which submitted its conclusions to Navy Commander Eliezer Marom, ruled that, following a review of the soldier's medical examinations during his service, Sergeant Azulai did not suffer from any medical conditions.
Oxygen poisoning is a medical phenomenon which can occur during diving with a closed oxygen system. This is a very rare occurrence in the type of diving Azulai had performed.
The examination committee uncovered faults in the rescue procedure, which was carried out by Azulai's diving partner, and led to a delay of several minutes before medical aid was granted to the soldier.
The rescue procedure includes: Bringing the diver to the surface of the water, inflated the life vest, and alerting supervisors for immediate medical aid. Inaccurate execution of any of these three steps make treating the diver quickly and efficiently more difficult.
According to the committee's recommendations, Marom ordered that a number of procedures, including the rescue procedures, be examined and improved, in an effort to minimize the chances of such an incident recurring.
Marom ordered the procedures be turned into a work plan, in order for them to be implemented immediately.
The navy commander and officers from Shayetet 13 visited the Azulai family following the publication of the preliminary conclusions, and the Shayetet's commander presented the family with the conclusions.
It should be noted that the military police investigation, as well as the report from the soldier's autopsy, have yet to be concluded. Once all probes are concluded and examined by the IDF, the report will be passed on to the soldier's family.
