17,000 Scuba Diving Hoses Recalled Due To Drowning Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)has alerted consumers that the Santa Ana-based importer and distributor XS Scuba has announced a recall of 17,000 high pressure scuba diving hoses produced by an Italian company called Miflex. The hoses were sold as part of a rebreather kit, a two-gauge console or deluxe cylinder equalizer. All of the recalled hoses have MFX stamped on the metal end of the scuba hose.

Defect May Cause Serious Injury or Death

The recalled item is used to monitor cylinder pressure to maintain a steady air supply to the diver. The product defect involves a possible rupture of the hose that will compromise air flow to the diver. This defect can lead to a lack of oxygen to the brain, anoxic brain injury, drowning or even death. To date, there have been 189 reports of this defect. Consumers are being advised not to use the product and contact Scuba XS to have the unit replaced.

Other Common forms of Scuba Hose Failure

Rubber Cracking

Rubber cracking is one of the most common forms of hose failure caused by poor care of a diver's gear. It can be avoided by rinsing the saltwater off the dive gear after each day. When left in the sun for long periods, the UV rays can cause cracking. Early identification and replacement of cracked hoses can prevent it from causing small leaks or tearing in half.

Crimp Failures

When the crimps on either end of low or high-pressure hoses start to leak, it is known as crimp failures. This type of failure results from improper care of gear, such as pulling on hoses or insufficient rinsing. The only fix for crimp failures is to replace the hose. Properly sized hoses can prevent this from happening.

Bulging and/or Cuts

A cut or tear in a standard rubber scuba hose can cause bulging if the cuts are not deep enough. This situation can occur when the first stage applies the intermediate pressure of 140psi, causing the hose to 'flair' out. It can be dangerous and lead to a rapid air loss if it were to pop. Simple assessments and proper observation of a diver's surroundings underwater can prevent this type of failure.

Splitting/Fracture

Fracture is when the hose fails completely, splitting into two. It occurs when the internals rot from the inside out due to a lack of service. It is not a very common form of hose failure but can be deadly at depths. Regular servicing of gear can help detect and prevent this type of failure.

Contact the Beasley Law Firm

The Beasley Law Firm is a nationally known and experienced product liability law firm. We have successfully represented clients in Pennsylvania and nationally who were catastrophically injured or killed as the result of dangerous or defective products. If you or a loved one has been harmed or drowned due to a scuba diving accident, please feel free to contact one of our experienced product liability lawyers by filling out our contact form, for a strictly confidential, free, no obligation consultation.