There was a regular hear years back who perished diving a wreck off of the Carolinas, I dunno how or why but I doubt it was panic.

As far as that newbie, I can understand how breathing off a mouthpiece far underwater might take some getting used to. Never have dived myself.

"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744