Mike Prickett, legendary water lensman, is suffering from serious decompression sickness after rescuing a fellow diver in Tahiti.
Hawaii’s Mike Prickett, an internationally acclaimed underwater cinematographer from the North Shore of Oahu, has been partially paralyzed following a diving accident that occurred during a commercial filming job in Tahiti. The accident happened last Wednesday and he is still undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Papeete.
Prickett, 47, sustained a severe case of decompression sickness (the bends) while saving the life of another diver on the job. He was paralyzed from the chest down but has today regained some sensation in his legs. Doctors are hopeful for his recovery.
“I was doing an underwater shoot for wetsuits and dive gear,” Prickett said. “I saw another diver sinking and panicking. I dove down to 220 feet to save him, but he used up all my air. I’m glad I was able to rescue him and he could walk away from the incident.
“I want to thank my family and friends for their prayers. I really need your prayers right now.”
Mike’s been a big part of bringing the incredible water angles for the ASP webcasts from South Africa to Hawaii and we all wish him a full recovery. Thoughts and prayers are with you Mike.
Video courtesy of Prickett’s nephew, Ryan Miyamoto
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Environment, Health, Sports, Wordless Wednesday Tagged: | Decompression sickness, Hyperbaric medicine, Mike Prickett, surfing, Tahiti
