WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, North Carolina (19 May 2009) — A scuba diver was airlifted to hospital after he was severely injured by the propeller of a dive boat. U.S. Coast Guard officials told CDNN that Christopher Roberts, 46, of Hope Mills, was scuba diving off the GET U CHUM dive boat when the propeller of the vessel struck his head causing life-threatening injuries. Two other commercial dive boats that were in the area, the Aquatic Safari I and the Whiplash, responded to the emergency. The crew of the Whiplash pulled the injured diver aboard and they were soon assisted by crew of the Aqua Safari I who provided life-saving EMT (emergency medical training) support and equipment. Joined by a U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel, the Whiplash headed at full throttle to shore where a helicopter airlifted the scuba diving accident victim to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer, Jason Stanley, singled out the crew of the Aquatic Safari I saying the scuba diving accident victim owes his life to their high level of emegency preparedness. "The crew of the commercial diving vessel Aquatic Safari I were instrumental in today's case," said Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Stanley, an Operations Specialist at Sector North Carolina. "They're quick action in contacting the Coast Guard and providing EMT assistance for the injured diver were monumental. They deserve a lot of credit for the role the played in today's rescue," said Stanley. | 
