Tributes paid to photographer who died in diving tragedy

● Man was pulled unconscious from the water after getting into trouble

Tributes have been paid to a talented underwater photographer who died following a tragic diving accident off the west coast of Scotland.

Gavin Anderson, 53, had been diving when he got into trouble and was pulled from the water unconscious in the Firth of Clyde about midday on Wednesday last week near Gourock, Inverclyde.

A crew from the Argyll Ferries vessel Ali Cat diverted from sailing between Dunoon and Gourock to help in the rescue operation.

Helensburgh lifeboat service joined and a helicopter was scrambled from Prestwick after receiving emergency calls. A paramedic was lowered to the ferry from the aircraft and desperately tried to resuscitate Mr Anderson while the boat was brought ashore.

Mr Anderson, from Milnathort in Kinross, was then rushed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock, but died. He leaves behind wife Jenny, son Josh and stepsons Arthur and Tom.

Tributes have poured in for the award-winning photo journalist and underwater photographer, who had been scuba-diving for more than 30 years.

Close friend Tony Randell said: “[It’s] very very sad. Gavin and I were at boarding school together from the age of 13 to 18. [He’s] one of my oldest friends – a tragic accident.”

Mark Evans, who runs Scuba

0 Gavin Anderson was an award-winning photo journalist Diver magazine, said: “Myself and the entire team at Scuba Diver extend our deepest condolences to wife Jenny Anderson and his entire family at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed.”

Jordan-based Aqaba Tourism, where Mr Anderson had dived previously, posted: “Throughout our lives we make many new friends and there are some who become very dear to our hearts. Unfortunately there also comes a time when we must say goodbye to them because they have departed this life.

“The death of our friend Gavin Anderson leaves us with a taste of sorrow. RIP Gavin.”

Mr Anderson set up a photo studio in Milnathort in 1999 and went on to photograph hundreds of weddings across Scotland. His first dive book was published in 2001 and called Lonely Planet Dive & Snorkelling Guide to the Red Sea. He also worked on many aquatic campaigns including sharks promotions for the Deep Sea World attraction, which featured on Edinburgh buses, and a National Bread Week underwater picnic for Warburtons.

Police Scotland confirmed inquiries into the incident were ongoing.