Diver dies off Mooloolaba, Sunreef Mooloolaba expresses condolences to family and friends

The manager of a Sunshine Coast dive centre has expressed his condolences to the family of a man who died suddenly while in waters off the Sunshine Coast.

A Sunshine Coast tourism operator has sent his condolences to the family of a diver who died suddenly off the coast, describing the incident as a “tragedy”.

Sunreef operations manager John Fell confirmed the company’s crew was involved in the incident.

“It’s just such a tragic thing to happen and for the immediate family and the crew directly involved it’s still very fresh,” he said.

The diver, 48, of South East Nanango, was rushed to a Mooloolaba jetty on-board a Sunreef Mooloolaba boat at 1.26pm on Sunday after suffering a medical event off the coast.

A Queensland police spokesman said bystanders tried to resuscitate the man while driving him ashore where emergency services were waiting at a location off Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba.

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said the man, who was in a critical condition while being brought ashore, was assessed by several ambulance crews.

But sadly police confirmed he couldn’t be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics were called to meet a diving boat carrying a man in his 40s at the Wharf, Mooloolaba at 1:26pm. Picture: Aisling Brennan

Mr Fell said Sunreef was unable to provide any further details surrounding the incident but said his thoughts were with all parties involved.

“The man’s immediate family and all the crew involved are in our hearts and minds,” he said.

It comes after a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokeswoman confirmed the department would be working alongside Queensland police to investigate the case.

Police are also preparing a report for the coroner.

More to come.