The tally of diving fatalities in the UK continues to rise after two shellfish divers got into difficulties in the waters off Barra Island in the Outer Hebrides on Saturday and tragically died after being rescued by the Stornaway Coastguard and RNLI.
The two men, both aged 39 and from the local area, were pulled from the water at Castle Bay, Barra Island, after a ferry skipper raised the alarm – he noticed the two divers go into the water, leaving their vessel unmanned, and then not resurface. Sadly, both died at the scene.
Western Isles Area Commander Chief Inspector Gordon MacLeod said: “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the families and friends of the two men who sadly died, as well as with the close community of Barra.
“I would also like to thank members of the public for their assistance to the emergency services during the search and rescue operation.”
