A DIVER has tragically died despite a full scale rescue operation off Gourock.

Emergency services, including the Coastguard helicopter, were scrambled following reports of an unconscious diver between Cloch Point and Dunoon on Wednesday.

Tragically, despite their efforts the 57-year-old passed away.

Police Scotland said: “At around 1pm yesterday, police were called to a report of an unconscious diver who had been rescued from the water.

“Emergency services attended and the man was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital where he died shortly after.
“Enquiries are continuing.”

The alarm was raised just after noon when the Coastguard alerted the crew of the MV Ali Cat ferry that the diver needed urgent assistance.

The ferry diverted from its route and the man was transferred on board the boat and assisted by the crew members.

A short time later, the Coastguard’s helicopter from Prestwick arrived on the scene and a paramedic was winched on board the ferry to help.

A spokesman for Argyll Ferries said: “Answering a Coastguard call, the MV Ali Cat assisted a dive boat operating in the Firth of Clyde at lunchtime yesterday. 

“A diver was transferred on board the Ali Cat where crew members assisted before a winch operator from an attending Coastguard helicopter was lowered aboard to help. 

“The casualty was then transferred to a shore side ambulance.”

A spokeswoman for the Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard’s helicopter from Prestwick was called to assist with a medical incident in the Clyde area. 

“The search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick was sent and winched a paramedic onto a vessel where the casualty had been taken.”