A COLAC district man has drowned while scuba diving at a bay near Peterborough.

Phil Reid, 42, of Birregurra, was scuba diving at Croft’s Bay when two friends noticed he was missing.

Acting Sergeant Cam Ross of Warrnambool said the friends – one from Colac and the other from Terang – found Mr Reid floating in the water about 4.30pm on Saturday, two hours after he disappeared.

“They went out into the surf, they went separate ways and the other two have come in and noticed he hasn’t returned,” he said.

“He was noticed just off the shore, floating on the water, and they commenced CPR but were unable to revive him.”

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said Mr Reid had died before paramedics arrived.

Sgt Ross said the circumstances surrounding the man’s death were unclear.

He said water police would continue to investigate the incident and the state coroner would perform an autopsy.

Sgt Ross described the water conditions as “fine”.

“It wasn’t rough, it didn’t seem to be poor conditions for scuba diving,” he said.

“It’s a tragedy; it’s nothing that can be planned for.

“It’s traumatic for their family and friends.”

Colac district horse trainer Mark Young said Mr Reid, who was involved with Colac’s horse racing industry, was a “great person”.

“He was forward and bubbly, a nice bloke,” Mr Young said.

Peterborough’s Kathy Burl said Croft’s Bay was a popular destination for fishing and diving.

“The sea’s an unforgiving place, but I’m pleased they’ve actually found him,” she said.

“There have been deaths there over the years, but they were a long time ago.”

Beachsafe describes Croft’s Bay as a “moderately hazardous” beach, four kilometres west of Peterborough.

“This is a relatively safe beach, with typically low waves and no rips,” the website said.

Tags: Police and Emergencies