Scuba Geek

Scuba Diver dies after dive off Plymouth Coast August 7, 2006

Posted by Andy Carroll in : Accidents, WreckDiving , trackback

There is some bad news this weekend for divers in the UK as we hear about a fatality off the coast of Plymouth. Richard Lewis, 57, died after a 30 minute dive on the Poulmic which lies in 18 mtrs. It looks like it might be the result of a medical problem given the conservative dive plan and the information published so far. From the Melton Mowbray Today;

A statement on behalf of the Plymouth-based Aquanauts Diving Centre said: “The incident happened towards the end of the group dive, which had passed without incident.

“During the routine five-metre safety stop, Mr Lewis appeared to suffer some sort of a medical incident. He stopped breathing and responding. “We tried to resuscitate him and pure oxygen was also administered, but despite the best efforts of those on board he didn’t regain consciousness.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”

The Brixham Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre watch manager Sean Brooks said: “We scrambled a rescue helicopter to the scene, the diver was airlifted from the dive boat and taken to Derriford Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Our sympathies go out to his family and friends at this tragic and unfortunate time.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have begun an investigation on behalf of the Plymouth coroner.