07/07/2026 03:39 - Judiciales
On July 6, 2026, the Justice system in the Argentine province of Chubut took a fundamental step in investigating the death of Sofía Devries, a 23-year-old young woman who lost her life on February 16, 2026, during a scuba diving immersion in Puerto Madryn. Criminal Judge Marcela Pérez Bogado formally charged Thiago Nahuel Pocovi, the instructor leading the excursion, with negligent homicide.
Puerto Madryn, Chubut (Patagonia, Argentina)
Sofía Devries (23 years old)
Thiago Nahuel Pocovi (26 years old, PADI Instructor)
February 16, 2026
To understand this development, it is helpful to explain the legal concept for international readers. In Argentina, homicidio culposo (negligent homicide), under Article 84 of the Penal Code, applies when a person causes the death of another without intent, but due to recklessness, negligence, lack of skill, or failure to observe the obligations of their profession. In this case, Prosecutor Alex Williams argues that the instructor began the dive despite extremely poor visibility, making it impossible to properly supervise the group.
The incident occurred at the underwater park of the former shipwreck Hu Shun Yu, a popular diving spot. Pocovi, a 26-year-old instructor certified by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), was guiding a group of seven divers. Upon reaching the bottom, Sofía and her partner were left without the instructor's supervision. At that moment, the young woman began to show signs of distress, removed her regulator (the device that delivers air), and during her partner's attempt to assist her, she was left without an air supply, ultimately drowning. Two days later, on February 18, personnel from the Argentine Naval Prefecture (Prefectura Naval) found her body in the stern of the sunken fishing vessel.
With the opening of this investigation, the preparatory stage has formally begun. The Prosecutor's Office will continue gathering evidence to determine whether to proceed with a formal accusation and request an oral trial, always seeking truth and justice.
Sofía was from Moreno, a district in the Buenos Aires province. She had studied Communication and Administration, worked in a family business, and was a content creator on social media focusing on travel, wellness, and lifestyle. She traveled to Puerto Madryn with her partner, Leonardo Alonso, to certify an international scuba diving course, sharing her passion for nature and the ocean.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
