Mumbai man writes to Tim Cook after surviving diving emergency due to Apple Watch. CEO responds

Apple has since released the latest version of the product, the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

A scuba diving accident in Pondicherry last month nearly turned fatal for a Mumbai-based financial analyst, but a safety feature in his Apple Watch Ultra proved decisive in preventing tragedy.

Kshitij, who had travelled to the coastal town for a dive session, was several metres underwater with his instructor when his weight belt unexpectedly came loose. The sudden loss of ballast caused him to shoot upwards at a dangerous pace. Divers face severe medical risks if they ascend too quickly, including decompression sickness and lung-related injury, while the poor underwater visibility made it difficult for his instructor to notice the emergency, according to a report in Economic Times. 

The situation escalated until his Apple Watch Ultra detected the uncontrolled ascent. The device first displayed a warning urging him to reduce speed. When no change occurred, it triggered an audible alarm designed for emergency use.

The siren, with its piercing tones, was picked up by his instructor despite the low visibility conditions. Turning back immediately, the instructor intercepted Kshitij mid-water and slowed his movement, ensuring they reached the surface in a controlled manner. The response averted not only health complications but also a possible collision with fishing boats active in the area at the time.

Reflecting on the experience, Kshitij explained: “When you ascend to the surface at a speed in a fishing zone, chances of an altercation with a boat is very high.”

He also admitted that he had not previously known about the watch’s emergency siren: “Before this incident even I wasn’t aware that the Apple Watch Ultra has this feature, so it was like a surprise to me," he told Economic Times. 

Following the incident, Kshitij wrote a mail to Apple chief executive Tim Cook, outlining how the device had functioned in his case. Cook replied personally, acknowledging the account and thanking Kshitij for sharing his personal story.

Apple has since released the latest version of the product, the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The updated model extends its emphasis on reliability for divers and outdoor athletes, including improved dive depth ratings, additional medical alerts, and a longer reserve battery for emergencies.