Scuba diver dies off Melbourne coast

A 58-year-old scuba diver has been pronounced dead after he was pulled from waters off Werribee, in Melbourne’s southwest.

Emergency services were called to reports of a diver in distress near Beach Road, Werribee South, about 1pm AEDT.

It's understood the man was on a fishing trip with two other men and was diving for scallops when he surfaced from the water unresponsive.

He was raced back to the boat ramp but pronounced dead. 

Friend Fred Farrugia said the victim had only recently retired from his job as a truck driver.

"Yesterday he came and seen me and he said I'm retired now... we can go fishing together again," Mr Farrugia said.

"Everybody will be devastated because he's a kind person...I don't think he's got an enemy in the world".

Marine Police have seized the boat as evidence and have taken the two men to Werribee police station for further interviews.

Authorities will look into whether the victim had any underlying medical conditions that may have contributed to his death.