A man from Lord Howe in the Malaita Outer Islands has died while diving for beche-de-mer in the Western Province.
The incident was believed to have occurred on Thursday afternoon after his oxygen tank reportedly malfunctioned underwater while diving off Rannongah Island.
The deceased was said to have been working for a Chinese beche-de-mer agent who recently travelled to Gizo.
According to reports, the agent had hired the diver to resume harvesting activities after their previous earnings were allegedly mismanaged.
Witnesses said the man experienced complications during his dive when the oxygen supply in his tank suddenly dropped.
Despite attempting to resurface by inflating his diving suit, he was later found unresponsive in the water.
His body was transported from Rannonga to Gizo Hospital aboard a 60-horsepower outboard motor, where the body is now being kept awaiting identification by relatives.
Police in Gizo have launched an investigation into the incident.
BY ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
