A Coastguard helicopter was called out to assist a diver in distress.

Assistance was needed at Port St Mary breakwater at 5pm on Sunday after a diver was suffering with the 'bends', a form of decompression sickness.

The Coastguard helicopter landed on the grass area at Clifton Road, before its crew travelled down to the breakwater to help the casualty.

The Port Erin Coastguard commented: 'The team were called to a report of a diver suffering from the bends after surfacing from a dive. The casualty was brought into Port St Mary breakwater and due to their condition, the 'rescue 936' Coastguard helicopter was requested.

'The casualty was then transferred to Liverpool for further treatment.

'We would like to thank the Isle of Man Ambulance Service for the casualty care and the public for their cooperation in clearing the landing site. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.'

Discover Diving, a diving centre based in Port St Mary with whom the diver was with, commented: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to the Isle of Man Coastguard, Isle of Man Ambulance Service and His Majesty's Coastguard for their assistance with one of our divers who became unwell after a dive.

'It was an excellent response from the divers on board to deal with the situation. We wish the diver a speedy recovery.'