A diver has died while exploring a shipwreck off the coast of a Hebridean island with a group of friends.

The 45-year-old man, believed to be from Aberdeenshire, was diving on the wreck of the Rondo in the Sound of Mull with two other sport divers.

A police spokeswoman confirmed yesterday he died at the scene.

Two companions suffered from decompression sickness – “the bends” – as they ascended quickly to the surface to get help following the incident.

Stornoway Coastguard was alerted at about 10.40am on Saturday, with Oban lifeboat being arriving at the scene shortly afterwards.

Oban lifeboat spokesman Iain Fulton said: “The divers were suspected of having decompression sickness following a rapid ascent as the result of an emergency whilst underwater.

“Upon arrival back in Oban, the divers were taken by a waiting ambulance for further treatment.”

It is believed two of the divers were later ferried to the nearby Dunstaffnage hyperbaric chamber for decompression treatment before being discharged.

A police spokeswoman said: “Oban Coastguard and lifeboat received a report that a driver who was part of a group had got into difficulty in the Sound of Mull near to the wreck of the Rondo.

“A 45-year-old man died at the scene. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

Argyll and Bute councillor Mary-Jean Devon, who lives in Tobermory, said: “It’s tragic.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world to dive in and the visibility is second to none, but it’s like every other sport and has its risk factor. It’s very sad that a young life of 45 years of age has gone.

“My husband was a police diver and it’s a worry when people dive in dangerous places. Underlying health problems can be exacerbated as well.

“My thoughts go out to the family at this sad time.”

The Rondo was lost in 1935 after breaking her anchorage in a fierce storm.

She ran aground on the islet of Dearg Sgeir and, after a salvage attempt, slipped down the cliff coming to rest almost vertically.

The ship’s bows are in more than 150ft of water while the stern is just a few feet from the surface. The wreck is popular with divers.