I've just realised that the word document linked to actually seems to be dated 1974 (google makes it seem possible that the incident was 1971). It doesn't excuse anything but I like to think we've gotten a bit better since then. I get the impression in caving circles at least, "bad air" is much better understood these days.
(irrelevant, but for the record, cave diving scares the pants off've me =) )
(irrelevant, but for the record, cave diving scares the pants off've me =) )