Diver killed in Doubtful Sound incident named as Roxburgh man

Ian Gregory Wells, centre, died after getting into trouble while diving. He was a member of the Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade. Photo / Supplied

The Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade paid tribute to their fallen station officer and secretary this afternoon.

"Thank you for your courage, dedication and commitment to serving the people of the Teviot Valley.

"Thank you for your passion for the Brigade and the care and friendship that you gave to every member.

"You will be missed from our lives, our community and our Brigade," the post on Facebook said.

Ian Gregory Wells, 54, died after getting into trouble while diving in Doubtful Sound yesterday.

A doctor on a nearby boat attempted to resuscitate Mr Wells but was unsuccessful.

Sergeant Tod Hollebon said Wells came from a boat with nine people on board, and two others had also been diving.

The two other divers who helped bring the unresponsive diver to the surface were taken to Invercargill Hospital as a precaution.

Wells joined the fire service in 1980 and had served in the Tapanui and Balclutha brigades before joining the Roxburgh brigade in 2007.

He became a station officer in 2009 and was said to have helped improve the operational standards and safety of the brigade.

He also received his gold star for 25 years of service from the fire service in 2011.

The death has been referred to the coroner.