POLICE are trying to piece together how a Warrnambool man died while diving off Childers Cove on Wednesday.
Two men were off a remote section of coast between Lake Gillear and Childers Cove in calm conditions when one, aged in his 40s, was found unresponsive in the water just before 12.30pm.
The other man was unable to lift his mate on to their small inflatable boat. An air ambulance helicopter located the boat and winched the man from the water. The other man returned to the Warrnambool harbour where he was met by police.
Warrnambool Coastguard commander Adrian Calderwood said they were called to assist, in case the helicopter was unable to lift the man from the water.
We met the boat and escorted it back to Warrnambool. he said.
Police Search and Rescue members are investigating.
EARLIER: Police have confirmed one man has died after an incident off Childers Cove. A police media spokeswoman said details were slim and officers were trying to piece together the exact circumstances.
12.50pm: The HEMS4 air ambulance helicopter has winched a diver onboard off Childers Cove.
The mans buddy diver is returning to the Warrnambool breakwater in an inflatable boat.
12.30pm: EMERGENCY services have swung into action after two divers near Childers Cove got into difficulties.
It is believed one diver is in a life-threatening condition near Blow Flies Hut.
Police and the HEMS4 helicopter are co-ordinating efforts for one diver to return to Warrnambool in an inflatable boat.
Port Fairy police and Warrnambool officers are in charge of the rescue effort.
