Elderly diver treated for bends

A 70-year-old Bay of Plenty diver had to be flown to Auckland's Devonport Naval base hospital after suffering the bends, yesterday afternoon.

TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter spokesman Liam Brettkelly said the man from Matata was airlifted from Whakatane Hospital to the base about 4.30pm.

The man had felt unwell after diving off the coast of Whakatane and was taken to hospital where it was found he was suffering from the bends, Mr Brettkelly said.

- NZPA