NZ freediver sets new world record

William Trubridge dived to a depth of 116m without fins, spending 4 minutes and 9 seconds under water. Photo / Supplied

Watch slideshow of a William Trubridge freedive

New Zealand diver William Trubridge battled the effects of narcosis to set a new free-immersion world record in the Bahamas, diving to 116m without the aid of fins.

At great depths divers can suffer from nitrogen narcosis which produces a state similar to being drunk.

Diving in the Vertical Blue competition at Dean's Blue Hole, Long Island, the 29-year-old dived next to a vertical line using a form of breaststroke and spent 4 minutes 9 seconds under water, surfacing with a tag from the 116m mark.

The free-diving event runs until April 27.

Trubridge dives wearing a specially designed silicon-coated wetsuit.

- NZPA