In reply to Toerag:
Condolences to his friends and family.
I also wondered what 'climbing independantly' meant, and jumped to the conclusion that it meant he was soloing (said in typical ignorant journalist words). At which point, I'd beg the question, what climbing wall lets you solo 9 metres above the deck?
It's a little too grey to make assumptions though so I won't bother. Either way, not a pleasant way to go. Again, condolences to his friends and family.