British diver dies in Greek filming incident

A British diver died on an underwater filming mission exploring the sister ship of the Titanic, Greek Government officials said tonight.

The 37-year-old, named by the Greek Merchant Marine Ministry as Carl Spencer, was part of a National Geographic crew exploring the Britannic which sank in the Aegean Sea, off Greece, in 1916.

It is believed he suffered from an attack of the Bends, which can occur when divers surface too quickly and nitrogen forms bubbles in their blood supply.

A military helicopter flew him to Greece's naval hospital in Athens but he did not regain consciousness.

The Britannic Foundation, headed by British businessman Simon Mills, wants to preserve the ship.

Foundation member Mark Chirnside said: "I understand there is an expedition going on at the moment.

"I think it's about 120 metres down and so it's quite a tough dive and you need really qualified people to go down."