THE HAGUE - The fatal diving accident of five years ago in which 23-year-old Mandy Groenewoud died is being treated today. Four soldiers stand in front of the military courtroom for three days on suspicion of involvement in the accident.

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) believes that the three male and one female soldier have created a life-threatening situation by violating official regulations. The four were specialized divers of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

In the diving accident, Groenewoud went to 40 meters after which she reported that she had water her mask. The voice communication was then interrupted and communication via the signal line was switched. According to the rules, the dive should have been aborted at that point.

The OM accuses the four divers that the dive was not aborted and that insufficient contact was maintained with Groenewoud after the loss of communication. The Defense Accidents Committee concluded after an investigation that much more has gone wrong.

For example, the military lacked a thorough preparation, there was no structure and there was insufficient awareness of the poor grasp of the equipment and the risks to which the divers were exposed.

Several court days have been allocated for this case. This case will continue on Friday November 6 and Monday November 9.