Matt,
Great write up.
TBH did not realise things got that serious in your head - you, IMHO are a very good diver and seem so relaxed at dealing with issues. You also seemed to play it down a bit on the boat - (probably to make me feel less of a tw*t for buggering off on the wreck!
) You also made a very wise decision to miss the 2nd dive of the day - quit whilst ahead!.
Bottom line is that I/we should have made more effort to stay together on the dive....then:
1. I could have laughed my arse of at you when you went for the manta reel that was still on the boat
2. I could have pulled one of my 2 reels and deployed - problem sorted.
I guess this goes to prove that being prepared to dive solo and being self-sufficient are two very different things......and that the consequences of me diving solo (fine for me - I excepted the risks - stupid? - YES) could have resulted in a very bad day for you, me and your family!....
Lesson learnt m8.
ATB
Roy.