Scuba diver, 71, dies after ‘error’ with equipment pulled him under the water as friends pay tribute
A PENSIONER has tragically died in a diving accident after his equipment malfunctioned.
Neil Barker, 71, was diving off the Devon coast on May 31 when he was seen resurfacing before being pulled under the water.
The retired quality manager, who was married, had trouble resurfacing from the water after a suspected "error" with the rebreather diving system, a court heard.
He was then rushed to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth but was sadly pronounced dead at 1:45pm.
The cause of death was drowning, caused by insufficient diluent gas for buoyancy and breathing.
Senior coroner Philip Spinney said: "The circumstances of the death are Neil was diving in the water in an area around Bigbury.
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"He was seen to surface and then sank. The RNLI was called and Neil was taken to Derriford Hospital.
"While in hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 1.45.pm."
After his death, a tribute for Neil was posted on the Chelmsford Scuba Diving Club Facebook page.
It said: "Neil was an active, and enthusiast diver who regularly dived with other members of the club and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
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"The branch wishes to extend its sincere condolences to Neil’s family at this difficult time.
"Once again apologies as there is no easy way to communicate this and respect for his family at this time as our thoughts and prayers are with them. RIP Neil our friend and fellow diver."
Neil was originally from Edinburgh but lived in Chelmsford, Essex.