Pulmonary edema has been reported in breath-hold divers during fish-catching 
diving activity. The present study was designed to detect possible increases in 
extravascular lung water (EVLW) in underwater fishermen after a competition. 
Thirty healthy subjects were studied. They participated in two different 5-h 
fish-catching diving competitions: one organized in the winter (10 subjects) and 
one organized in the autumn (20 subjects). A questionnaire was used to record 
underwater activity and note respiratory problems. An increase in EVLW was 
investigated from the detection of ultrasound lung comets (ULC) by chest 
ultrasonography. Complementary investigations included echocardiography and 
pulmonary function testing. An increase in EVLW was detected in three out of 30 
underwater fishermen after the competition. No signs of cardiovascular 
dysfunction were found in the entire population and in divers with an increase 
in the ULC score. Two divers with raised ULC presented respiratory disorders 
such as cough or shortness of breath. Impairment in spirometric parameters was 
recorded in these subjects. An increase in EVLW could be observed after a 
fish-catching diving competition in three out of 30 underwater fishermen. In two 
subjects, it was related to respiratory disorders and impairment in pulmonary 
flow.