In 1998, Tom (33) and Eileen Lonergan (28), experienced divers from Louisiana, were accidentally left behind during a scuba trip at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — a tragic real-life disappearance that inspired the film Open Water.
The couple had recently completed Peace Corps service in Fiji and were traveling through the South Pacific when they joined 24 others aboard the MV Outer Edge, diving at St. Crispin’s Reef. After two dives, they remained underwater longer than advised during a third dive at a site known for intense shark activity.
A flawed headcount by the crew, who mistakenly included two other swimmers twice, led to the boat leaving without them. No one realized the Lonergans were missing until two days later, after their unclaimed bags remained onboard.
Despite a massive rescue effort, the couple was never found. Days later, some of their gear washed ashore, including a wetsuit with damage possibly caused by a shark.
Later, disturbing diary entries were found in their hostel. Tom had written months earlier about feeling “ready to die,” and Eileen expressed fear of being caught in her husband’s possible “death wish.”
Though some speculated the couple faked their disappearance, there was no evidence to support it — their bank accounts and insurance remained untouched.