A HOSPITAL consultant has been killed in an accident on a diving trip in Egypt, where he was on holiday with family.

Michael Oakley, 55, who was based at Harrogate District Hospital, in North Yorkshire, was taking part in the diving expedition with his son when the tragedy occurred.

He died on Sunday after the accident at El-Gounha, near Hurghada, but no further details were available last night.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Oakley, who lived in the Harrogate area and was described by colleagues as "a respected specialist who had a wonderful sense of humour".

Hospital staff had initially heard conflicting reports about Mr Oakley's death, with one suggesting he may have suffered a heart attack.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "There was shock and sadness when we heard about his sudden death."

Mr Oakley was consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the hospital, having taken up his appointment in 1982. Earlier he had worked at hospitals on Merseyside and was educated at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

A hospital spokesman said: "In his 20 years as a consultant in Harrogate, Michael played a key role in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology and was involved in opening new facilities for the unit at the Strayside Wing."

Colleagues said he had worked closely with others to provide a caring and quality service to patients from the wider Harrogate district.

"He was highly respected on a professional and personal level," added the hospital spokesman.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We understand he was travelling with his son at the time of the accident."