South Gippsland fatality - Victoria, Australia

[DandyDon]

UPDATE: Man drowns, another taken to hospital while scuba diving off Victorian beach

A man has died while scuba diving with friends off a beach in South Gippsland, Victoria.

Police said the 45-year-old man was diving with two companions in unpatrolled waters off a Kilcunda beach, near Phillip Island, this morning.

Emergency services were notified when the diver got in trouble about 10.50am.

Air Ambulance winched the man to safety, but he could not be resuscitated and died at the scene.

One of his friends was also rescued. He was brought to the shore by surf lifesavers before being taken to Wonthaggi Hospital with mild hypothermia and fatigue.

The deceased is yet to be identified, with police set to prepare a report for the coroner.

“Specialist investigators from Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad will do an investigation… including examining the dive gear, the experience of the people involved,” Sergeant Andrew Boldiston said.

Sgt. Boldiston said the surviving friends are “traumatised”.

“We haven’t had a chance to speak to them as yet.”

Today’s drowning marks the seventh death in Victorian waters this summer.