DIVERNET NEWS

DATELINE: 20 August 2002

BUOYANT ASCENT LEADS TO SECOND DIVER FATALITY IN 2 DAYS
Solent Coastguard airlifted a 47-year-old diver from dive boat Voyager on Monday 19 August after he surfaced from a 28 minute, 66m mixed gas dive without making any stops. He was pronounced dead at Queen Alexandra hospital, Portsmouth.
The diver was reported to be an experienced and highly qualified Advanced Instructor, diving with the Mindip Dive Club.
He appears to have surfaced feet first, after a rapid ascent from depth, and quickly lapsed into unconsciousness. He was given emergency first aid including cardio pulmonary resuscitation on the boat and in the helicopter.
Unfortunately, the best efforts of the skipper, his fellow divers and the rescue services were unable to save him.