A diver was hospitalized in critical condition Monday after losing consciousness off the San Diego coast.
The 54-year-old woman had just reached the Yukon, a popular dive site off Mission Bay when there was trouble in the water.
“They ascended up one of the ropes and then she started to panic apparently, on the way up. But then according to witnesses, had consciousness at the top of the water but then lost consciousness,” said Lt. Greg Buchanan with San Diego lifeguards.
The commercial boat named Marissa took divers out to the HMS Yukon, a sunken ship about 80 to 100 feet underwater. It's a very popular destination but requires an advanced diving certification before going.
Fellow divers said the woman and her husband had scuba experience and trying to get advanced certification with a dive master.
“We were told she came up with the dive instructor the whole time,” said Buchanan.
Witnesses say the crew immediately removed her diving gear and tried to help her.
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“The dive master started administering first aid, got some assistance from another boat and then the lifeguards came,” said Coronado resident Steve Blumenthal.
Lifeguards continued to administer CPR as she was transported to shore.
