Man dies in scuba diving accident near San Juans

BELLINGHAM – Authorities said a Whatcom County man has died after a scuba diving accident near the San Juan Islands.

The Bellingham Herald reported the 40-year-old diver was pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon at Gooseberry Point near Sucia Island.

Bellingham Fire Department Assistant Chief Bill Hewett said the diver’s oxygen supply was cut off because of an apparent equipment malfunction.

U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer Charles Chavtur said others on the boat pulled the unconscious man aboard and performed CPR. People with him told authorities the man had been underwater for about five minutes.

Fire crews and the Coast Guard responded. Authorities said the man could not be revived.

Officials had not confirmed the man’s name as of Thursday afternoon.

An autopsy has been scheduled for this week.