ATHENS, Greece (24 May 2009) — A National Geographic diver died while scuba diving in Greece. Authorities in Greece told CDNN that British father-of-two, Carl Spencer, 37, of Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, was fatally injured while scuba diving off Kea, a small island about 150 nautical miles south-east of Athens. A helicopter airlifted Spencer to Athens Naval Hospital but he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the military medical facility. Spencer was an experienced diver who was leading a 17-member National Geographic team on a project to film the Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic. According to unconfirmed reports, Spencer was diving with an Inspiration rebreather manufactured by Ambient Pressure Diving when he started convulsing at depth while filming the bow of the Britannic. Witnesses confirmed that Spencer made a rapid emergency ascent that likely killed him as he missed required decompression stops. Authorities investigating the fatal accident told CDNN they are certain Spencer died from decompression sickness (the bends). A post-morten exam has been scheduled and Spencer's equipment will be examined to determine if it failed. Dead on arrival According to Greek Ministry of Merchant Marine spokeswoman, Aspa Papadopoulou, Spencer was found "unconscious with decompression sickness symptoms". "Everything was done to save his life," Papadopoulou said. "A fully-equipped military Super Puma helicopter was rushed in to take him to the best possible hospital in Athens and even in flight every possible method of artificial respiration was tried to resuscitate him. "The helicopter landed at the military airport of Katechaki, on the outskirts of Athens, after which he was rushed to the Athens Naval Hospital because there is a decompression chamber there, she added. "But (Spencer) never regained consciousness." National Geographic did not return CDNN's calls and has not released a statement about Spencer's death. Spate of fatal rebreather accidents If reports that Spencer was scuba diving with a rebreather are correct, his death was the third fatal rebreather accident in a week. On May 18, CDNN reported that Paul Blanchette, 49, disappeared while diving with a rebreather off Gloucester, Massachusetts. Two days later his body was recovered. On May 16, CDNN reported that Gene White, 42, was severely injured while scuba diving with a rebreather and airlifted to hospital where he later died. | 
