Taiwan model drowns during underwater photoshoot

Popular Taiwanese model, Olivia Ku, has drowned during an underwater photo shoot near Hengchun Township in Taiwan’s Pingtung County.

Local authorities told Taipei Times that further investigation is required to determine the exact cause of the accident, but it has been suggested that Ku was asked to remove her breathing apparatus for a photograph, which triggered an asthma attack.

According to news.com.au Ku, 25, was not just an enthusiast model jumping into the waters without prior experience.  In fact, she was a trained amateur diver with three years experience and frequently volunteered to clean refuse from the seabeds at Pingtung.

Details of the incident are still unclear, but as Bokeh notes, experienced divers were shocked by the death. Mostly because underwater photography is almost always conducted in shallow water for the increased light levels and typically have a highly skilled crew of support staff who are trained to respond and help in the event of accident.

Reports say that the Ku was unconscious when her body was pulled from the waters, and attempts to resuscitate her failed after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

Eelin Entertainment, Ku’s modeling agency have said that they mourn her death and will be assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  The agency also stated that the photo shoot was not work related.

If you’re planning an underwater shoot or have toyed with the idea of one, remember that you can never be too careful, and if you’re a model thinking about swimming in front of the camera, make sure to do your research before choosing a photographer.

[via Bokeh]