Skiles, 52, gestured to others in the diving group that he was surfacing after running out of film. Minutes later he was spotted lying on the seabed.
The unconscious diver was raised and given emergency CPR while the boat made its way to shore. He was transferred to hospital, where it was confirmed that he had died.
Skiles operated Karst Productions, based in High Springs, and was known for his cave diving expertise.
He was for many years a leading member of the famous Wakulla Springs Project team, which has explored the challenging underwater cave system in Florida’s Wakulla County.
Skiles’ filming and photographic commissions included regular work for Discovery Channel and National Geographic.
His work supporting an article on cave diving in the Bahamas is due to appear in National Geographic’s next issue.
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