Fatal Solo Dive: Kozeev's Tragedy

Sergei Kozeev's ill-fated journey into the world's deepest cave, Veryovkina Cave in Abkhazia, took a tragic turn as the 37-year-old Russian mountaineer attempted a solo descent. The cave, known for its immense depth of 2212 meters, poses extreme challenges with rough passageways, small rivers, and flooded sections. Sergei, though physically fit and an enthusiast of various sports, was a novice in caving, having attempted it only twice in his hometown.

Embarking on his solo expedition without informing his family, Sergei navigated the challenging cave terrain using only screenshots and a small printed map. Beyond 800 meters, the cave becomes wet and cold, with constant splashing water posing a risk of hypothermia. Despite reaching an impressive depth of 1100 meters, problems arose when he encountered increased running water without essential equipment, such as a wetsuit. Fatigued and drenched, he attempted to ascend but failed, succumbing to the harsh conditions at 1100 meters.

Sergei's disappearance led to a nine-month search, concluding on August 4, 2021, when spelunkers discovered his lifeless body tied to a safety rope in the cave. The extraction process was a gruesome task, with a team of 27 professionals cutting Sergei into pieces for removal. It was later revealed that he entered the cave illegally and lacked the necessary registration.