Diver rescued 45 miles off Florida coast - 'Purple but still breathing'

A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., medevaced a recreational diver approximately 45 miles off the coast of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., after he surfaced unconscious.

Pavel Motylka, a 44 year-old-man, was diving with friends when he suddenly surfaced unconscious. Friends noticed he was purple but still breathing. They then immediately notified Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.

Sector Jacksonville search and rescue coordinators arranged for a dolphin HH-65 in the area to assist the unconscious diver.

While the helicopter crew was en route, the diver regained consciousness and became coherent. After the helicopter crew hoisted the man, they flew him to Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville where he was given to hospital workers for care in fair condition.

Source: www.military.com