A scuba diver became unconscious during an underwater dive just off-shore at Long Beach off Simon’s Town on Saturday afternoon and is in critical condition.
The National Sea Rescue Institute station 10 in Simon’s Town, CMR (Cape Medical Response), City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the South African Police Services responded to the incident.
Station commander, Darren Zimmerman says that a second scuba diver rushed to his friend’s aid.
“His dive buddy dumped his scuba gear and rescued him towards the shore where he raised the alarm,” he said.
Pisces Dive School divers were on the beach during the incident and several divers waded into the surf to assist both men out of the water. The team then began CPR (Cardio Pulmonary resuscitation) efforts on the unconscious diver.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and continued extensive CPR efforts, restoring a pulse. A CMR ambulance transported the scuba diver to hospital, who is reported to have been in critical condition.
“His dive buddy has been transported to hospital by CMR ambulance in a serious but stable condition,” said Zimmerman
Dive gear was collected by a Police Dive Unit, approximately 50 meters off-shore at a 6 meter depth.
The Pisces Dive School has been commended for their efforts in rescuing the two men and initiating CPR efforts.
Picture:Pixabay