A Borehamwood man who has just set a new scuba diving world record only wanted his tea when he finally surfaced after over two days under water.

Thirty-two-year-old Will Goodman spent 48 hours, nine minutes and 17 seconds on the seabed off the coast of Indonesian island Lombok, last week.

He passed the time underwater inside a metal cage and had fresh oxygen supplied to him by a support crew, who doubled as a comedy act to keep his spirits up.

When he finally broke water after his ordeal, the skin on his hands was shrivelled by all the salt in the water.

There also had been the danger that the cold could get to him, or that his precious oxygen tanks would malfunction, so scuttling the attempt.

No wonder he was desperate for some proper food after being forced to guzzle liquidized rations on the sea-floor.

But it was all worthwhile for intrepid Will, who has been hooked by the bug to break scuba diving records ever since he set his first one in 2005.

This is the third time that he has set the record for longest scuba dive, and it is set to be the first one recognised by Guiness World Records.

His latest successful attempt for the longest open saltwater scuba dive took place between January 7 and January 9.

Adjudicators were on hand throughout to confirm his feat.

His latest time beats his 2005 effort of 24 hours and one second, and also his 2008 record of 33 hours.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBMPuwXQRYA to see Will's record-breaking scuba dive.

DOMINIC GOVER