06 September 2005 Sick scuba diver able to return home
The British scuba diver who suffered decompression sickness while on holiday in Egypt is well enough to return home.
Anthony Allen is facing medical bills of up to £20,000 after he got the medical condition known as the bends at the start of August.
However, his Lloyds TSB insurance refused his claim as Mr Allen went as deep as 49.5 metres, in excess of the 30 metre maximum stipulated by his insurers.
According to his son Mark, now that Mr Allen is able to return home he is more positive about recovering from the financial burden that he is faced with.
Speaking to BBC News, Mark said: "He's feeling a bit better about things, because he's going to be able to come home and he's got something to work towards.
"He's been asked to pay directly so basically his life savings are now spent."
Mr Allen had unsuccessfully appealed that his illness was related to dehydration rather than the depth to which he had dived.
A recent survey on diving website ScubaPoll.com revealed that divers voted 25 to 1 in favour of Mr Allen paying medical costs rather than the company.
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