National Geographic diver dies from 'the bends' while filming in GreeceA National Geographic diver has died in Greece while on an underwater filming mission.
By Ben Leach
Last Updated: 11:50AM BST 25 May 2009
Divers in the waters around the Cayman IslandsDecompression sickness is caused by surfacing too quickly after a deep dive
Carl Spencer, 37 is believed to have died from decompression sickness - the bends - according to the country's merchant marine ministry.
Mr Spencer was part of a 17-member crew commissioned by the magazine to film the wreck of HMHS Britannic.
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The British World War I hospital ship, and sister ship of the Titanic, sank off the Greek Aegean island of Kea in 1916 after hitting a mine, with the loss of 30 lives.
"A Super Puma rescue helicopter was dispatched to collect the diver who was unconscious with decompression sickness symptoms," a ministry spokeswoman said.
"He did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Athens Navy hospital."
The National Geographic team had secured permission to film the wreck of the Britannic from May 19 to 31, she added.
No one from National Geographic was available to immediate comment.
Decompression sickness is caused by surfacing too quickly after a deep dive.
The condition can cause rashes, joint pain, headaches, and paralysis.
Death only occurs in extreme cases.
It can take hours or even days after a dive before sufferers become aware that they have decompression sickness.
There are around 300 cases in the UK every year.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/greece/5379236/National-Geographic-diver-dies-from-the-bends-while-filming-in-Greece.html
