Diver with bends rescued off Fire Island, Coast Guard says
A Coast Guard boat crew from Station Fire Island transport a diver who had symptoms of the bends while diving 20 miles southeast of the Fire Island Inlet on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2017. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard members rescued a diver who showed signs of decompression sickness while in the water near Fire Island on Saturday afternoon, officials said.
The diver, a 59-year-old man, was 20 miles southeast of Fire Island when a crew member aboard the fishing vessel the Tempest radioed for help around 1:15 p.m. that the victim had surfaced with symptoms of the bends 15 minutes after he had submerged, officials said.
A boat crew deployed from Station Fire Island aboard a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat along with an EMT from Suffolk County, officials said.
The crew rescued the diver about 2:15 p.m. and took him to Station Fire Island where EMS were waiting, officials said.
The diver was taken to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow. He was placed in a hyperbaric chamber and was listed in stable condition by Saturday evening, officials said.
Holiday celebrations around LI From house decorations and candy makers to restaurant and theater offerings, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano checks out how Long Islanders are celebrating this holiday season.
Holiday celebrations around LI From house decorations and candy makers to restaurant and theater offerings, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano checks out how Long Islanders are celebrating this holiday season.
