Warning to older divers as 75-year-old gets the bends

Published on Tuesday 22 September 2009 21:52

COASTGUARDS have issued a warning to divers after a 75-year-old suffered from "the bends" after an expedition in Orkney.

The man had to be evacuated from a dive vessel on Monday suffering decompression sickness following two deep dives in one day.

Shetland Coastguard was alerted by a call at 3pm reporting a diver was suffering from chest pain, shakiness and was unable to walk. He was recovered from the boat and taken to a hyperbaric chamber in Stromness.

Alex Wylie, Shetland Coastguard watch manager, said: "This diver had completed two relatively deep dives. We have become aware of an increase in the numbers of diving incidents that involve older people.

"We'd like to remind everyone, whatever their age, to be aware of their limitations and to ensure they are physically and mentally fit before embarking upon a dive trip."

In May a 67-year-old died after surfacing unconscious off the coast of Mull. In April a 51-year-old had to be treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after suffering from decompression sickness during a dive off Fife.