A scuba diver has died after getting into difficulties in the sea off Radazul, in the Tenerife municipality of El Rosario, prompting a major response from the emergency services.

The incident happened yesterday morning, Saturday 12th September, when the Canary Islands' emergency coordination centre, CECOES 112, received an alert at approximately 10:30am reporting that a diver was in difficulty close to the coast.

The man was subsequently taken aboard a boat and brought back to the port at Radazul, while emergency medical resources were mobilised to meet him.

When SUC medical personnel reached the man, he was already in cardiorespiratory arrest, and paramedics immediately began basic and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an attempt to revive him.

Despite their efforts, they were unable to restore his vital signs and could only confirm his death.

Several emergency services mobilised

A number of emergency resources were involved in the response.

Alongside the SUC medical teams, personnel from Maritime Rescue, the beach lifeguards, Local Police and Guardia Civil were mobilised following the emergency call.

The Guardia Civil subsequently took responsibility for the appropriate proceedings following the death.

The initial official information released by CECOES 112 did not give details about what caused the diver to get into difficulties, and it would therefore be premature to speculate about whether the incident resulted from a medical emergency, equipment problem, diving-related complication or another cause.

The official emergency report also did not initially provide the man's age or nationality. One subsequent local report has identified the diver as a 45-year-old man from Gijón in Asturias, but these additional personal details have not been confirmed by CECOES.

Popular location for diving

Radazul is particularly popular with divers and other watersports enthusiasts because of its relatively sheltered coastline and underwater environment.

It is also known among the diving community for its underwater wreck and generally good visibility which attracts both experienced divers and people taking part in organised diving activities throughout the year.

Saturday's incident is the latest reminder that even at established diving locations, conditions and individual circumstances can change quickly.