A DIVER was airlifted to a recompression chamber after a rapid ascent off Portland Bill.

Coastguard teams received a PAN PAN (urgent) call just before 3.15pm yesterday (May 3) reporting that a male diver required emergency medical assistance following a rapid ascent east of Portland Bill.

He was airlifted to the recompression chamber at Poole by the coastguard search and rescue helicopter.

The landing site at Whitecliff was manned by the Poole Coastguard Rescue Team.

A spokesman for the team said: "The casualty walked to the ambulance, escorted by the winchman, and was then taken to the recompression chamber for further checks.

"Once the helicopter had departed the scene we reopened the field for the public to use again."

Mathew McInally, UK Coastguard duty controller, said: "The dive boat did exactly the right thing in alerting the coastguard to the situation by broadcasting a PAN PAN message as soon as the diver began showing symptoms of decompression sickness.

"We would urge all divers and dive groups to let someone know where they are planning to dive and when they are planning to return.

"Also, make sure you familiarise yourself with new or different dive gear before planning deep dives and always dive within your limits."

The dive incident is the second the MCA has dealt with in a few days.

On Sunday afternoon, the Portland coastguard helicopter airlifted Mr Brian Phillips to hospital from the sea off the Isle. Sadly he died a short time later.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Phillips, who was an experienced diver.