A diver who died off the Sussex coast has been identified as 40-year-old Graham Law, managing director of a steel firm.

Mr Law, of Newlands Park, Copthorne, near Crawley, suffered the bends while exploring a Sussex shipwreck.

His 37-year-old brother Richard, from Caterham, Surrey, was also stricken with the bends. He was seriously ill but stable in hospital last night.

The brothers were airlifted back from the Girl Gray, 12 miles south of Shoreham Power Station, when the skipper raised the alarm.

Police last night said the brothers had been diving together and were 'buddying' for each other when they were taken ill.

A spokeswoman said: "They surfaced too quickly and both suffered the bends."

Richard Law is at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London.

Both brothers were qualified and experienced divers.

The incident has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive and the Brighton and Hove coroner has been informed.