Underwater photographer dies in diving accident in Firth of Clyde
AN underwater photographer who had recently reignited his passion for diving has died after an accident off the west coast.
Gavin Anderson, 53, got into trouble on a dive and was pulled from the water unconscious in the Firth of Clyde near Gourock, Inverclyde.
A crew from the Argyll Ferries vessel Ali Cat diverted from a sailing between Dunoon and Gourock to assist in the rescue. Helensburgh lifeboat service joined the operation and a helicopter was scrambled from Prestwick after receiving emergency calls. A paramedic was lowered to the ferry from the aircraft and tried to resuscitate Mr Anderson while the boat was brought ashore.
Mr Anderson, of Milnathort, Kinross, was then taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock but died shortly after arrival. He leaves behind wife Jenny, son Josh and stepsons Arthur and Tom.
Friends paid tribute to him on social media. Tony Randell said: “Very, very sad. Gavin and I were at boarding school together from the age of 13 to 18. One of my oldest friends. We skied together only one month ago for a week in Wengen. ”
Mark Evans, who runs Scuba Diver magazine, said: “The entire team at Scuba Diver extend our deepest condolences to Jenny and his entire family. 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, 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. ”
Another friend added: “I was a good friend of Gavin and being an ex-royal Navy diver and commercial diver we had a bond we both cherished talking about our underwater adventures.
“But more than that he was a caring, kind and gentle human being who loved giving other people happiness, either through his photography or just simply his kindness. ”
In 1999, Mr Anderson set up a photo studio in Milnathort and went on to photograph hundreds of weddings across Scotland.
His first dive book was published in 2001 and was called Lonely Planet Dive & Snorkelling Guide To The Red Sea.
He also worked on many aquatic campaigns, including sharks promotions that featured on Edinburgh buses highlighting the Deep Sea World attraction and a National Bread Week underwater picnic for Warburtons.
More recently he had been working on underwater modelling shoots in the UK and in April 2012 he was commissioned to shoot underwater artwork in the Turks and Caicos Islands for a new luxury development.
And in the last few years, he had rediscovered a love for diving and was interested in technical disciplines, as well as focusing on underwater photography and writing.
He also had an interest in skiing and worked as a ski guide.
Police said inquiries into last Wednesday’s incident were continuing.
The death of our friend Gavin Anderson leaves us with a taste of sorrow