40-year-old Whatcom County man dies in scuba diving accident near San Juans

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say a Whatcom County man has died after a scuba diving accident near the San Juan Islands.


The Bellingham Herald reports (https://goo.gl/g3nFkb ) the 40-year-old diver was pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon at Gooseberry Point near Sucia Island.

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

U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer Charles Chavtur says 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 say 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.