Very Low Tide Called a Factor in Death Off Laguna

A Connecticut man scuba-diving off Laguna Beach died Tuesday after his brother was unable to reach him because of rocks that were exposed by extremely low tide, city lifeguards said.

Randall Frans, 30, of Santa Ana, told lifeguards that he had difficulty climbing over rocky outcroppings at Moss Street Beach that had been exposed by a record low tide. That, he said, prevented him from rescuing his brother, Richard Frans, 32, who was visiting for the holidays.

Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Greg Bartz said the victim was knocked over by a large wave and had trouble getting his scuba mouthpiece in his mouth.

The brothers were entering the water at about 2 p.m. in what were described as hazardous diving conditions--including five-foot breakers and poor visibility because of turbulence--Laguna Beach Lifeguard Lt. Michael Dwinell said.

The surviving brother told police that, as the large wave struck, he noticed his brother did not have his mouthpiece in his mouth and needed help.

“After they both were hit by a large wave, the victim started screaming for help to his brother and told him he was having trouble putting his mouthpiece in his mouth,” Dwinell said.

Randall Frans, who was weighted down with scuba gear, had difficulty maneuvering over rocks and couldn’t reach his brother, Dwinell said. The surviving brother was rescued later from the surf by lifeguards after he notified them of his brother’s plight and re-entered the water to continue searching.

Lifeguards were hampered by turbulent water and visibility of less than six feet and four- to five-foot surf that broke over the knee-high rocks, Dwinell said.

“It took about 30 minutes for us to find the victim because of the poor visibility. We also had to keep our eyes peeled towards the surf or we could have been injured,” Dwinell said.

Dwinell was joined in the search by two other Laguna Beach lifeguards, an off-duty state lifeguard and two civilians.

Richard Frans was found about 50 yards offshore near a large rock. His mouthpiece was not in his mouth and his scuba tank was empty, Dwinell said.

Lifeguards began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Richard Frans was airlifted by helicopter to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy will be performed, the coroner’s office said.

Linda Weaver, a nursing supervisor at Hoag, said relatives told her that Richard Frans was a computer analyst and an experienced diver.

Asked about the empty tank, Dwinell said that turbulent water often kicks up sand that gets stuck inside a scuba mouthpiece, forcing a small valve to a “free flow” position that expels air at a rapid rate.

“It’s a common occurrence,” Dwinell said.