Heron Island diver flown to Rockhampton after suffering medical episode

A man enjoying a group dive in the Southern Great Barrier Reef was airlifted to Rockhampton after suffering a medical episode underwater. Here’s what we know.

A diver was airlifted from a Central Queensland island after suffering a medical episode underwater on Tuesday afternoon.

The man in his 60s was conducting an open water dive with a group at Heron Island, about 80km northeast of Gladstone, before he ascended to the surface requiring medical attention.

RACQ’s CapRescue helicopter was tasked to the incident about 5pm to medivac the man to Rockhampton Hospital.

RACQ Capricorn Rescue was tasked to Heron Island after a man in his sixties required urgent transportation to hospital. Picture: Supplied

Upon arrival at Heron, the onboard medical team assisted island staff to stabilise the man for air transport.

He was flown to Rockhampton in a stable condition and was receiving further treatment on Tuesday night for his dive injury.