Pensioner and avid diver Neil Barker, 71, was diving at the coast at Bigbury-on-Sea when he had difficulty resurfacing. He was rushed to hospital where he tragically died.
A retired Edinburgh-born man tragically lost his life while diving on the coast of Devon after an 'error' with his equipment.
On May 31, 71-year-old Neil Barker was diving in the sea at Bigbury-on-Sea when he had difficulty resurfacing. He was rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where he was sadly pronounced dead at 1.45pm.
The married retired quality manager was born in Edinburgh and lived in Danbury in Chelmsford.
As Devon Live reports, Senior coroner Philip Spinney said: "The circumstances of the death are Neil was diving in the water in an area around Bigbury. He was seen to surface and then sank. The RNLI was called and Neil was taken to Derriford Hospital. While in hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 1.45.pm."
At a hearing at Exeter Coroner's Court, t cause of his death given was drowning, caused by insufficient diluent gas for buoyancy and breathing, and 'user error' in the rebreather diving system.
Following his death, a tribute was posted on the Facebook page of Chelmsford Scuba Diving Club.
The post said: "It is with deep sadness that I am sharing the below about our friend and fellow diver Neil Barker. There is no easy way to communicate this and apologies for the medium but in order to reach out to all his old friends, past club members and divers.
The club has prepared the message: "Chelmsford Scuba Diving Club, a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), are deeply saddened by the loss of their friend and fellow diver, Neil Barker, who died following a dive off Plymouth, on Friday, May 31, 2024.
"Neil was an active, and enthusiast diver who regularly dived with other members of the club and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. The branch wishes to extend its sincere condolences to Neil’s family at this difficult time.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are subject to investigation by the coroner’s office and no further comment can be made by branch members regarding the incident itself.
"Once again apologies as there is no easy way to communicate this and respect for his family at this time as our thoughts and prayers are with them. RIP Neil our friend and fellow diver."
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