An East Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighter is in critical condition at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle following a scuba diving incident May 10.

The 50-year-old firefighter, whose name has not been released, was off-duty at the time of the incident and was diving in Elliot Bay.

According to Lt. Sue Stangl of the Seattle Fire Department, the man made a rapid ascent from more than 200 feet deep and was seen waving his hands at a water taxi. Passengers on the taxi helped the man out of the water and onto another boat, which transported him to the shore where Seattle Fire was waiting.

Stangl said the firefighter was alert and conscious when rescuers reached him, but was having difficulty breathing. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center for approximately an hour while his condition stabilized and was then transferred to Virginia Mason where he spent time in a decompression chamber.

He is presently sedated and in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Virginia Mason. Stangl said he was dealing with nitrogen bubbles and decompression sickness, two side effects of a rapid ascent, but was unsure of any other conditions.

The reason for his ascent is unknown at this time.

East Pierce Chief Jerry Thorsen said the firefighter has been a career member of the department for five years and was a volunteer before that.

Thorsen said East Pierce members are maintaining a vigil at the hospital and assisting the family as best they can.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and we’re doing everything we can for the family,” Thorsen said.