Caught on video: Scuba diver assaulted underwater

An underwater assault was all caught on camera, and now authorities are investigating the incident.

Coral reef consultant Rene Umberger and her team were documenting damage to a coral reef off the coast of Hawaii. That's when a fish collector attacked her.

According to NBC, "One diver charged Umberger and then ripped off her air supply. Eventually she was able to get her regulator back on."

NBC speculates the attacker didn't want Umberger to video what the fish collectors were doing, but it's unclear why.

says: Umberger tells KHNL she credits her extensive diving history - more than 10,000 dives - for saving her life.

She told KHNL, "An inexperienced diver would likely panic. Either panic from the stress of the situation and shoot for the surface."

Had she shot to the surface, Umberger might have experienced decompression sickness, also known as the bends.

eMedicineHealthexplains that's when oxygen decompresses in the body and air bubbles form, blocking blood flow and disrupting blood vessels and nerves. That can lead to paralysis or even death.

KHNL reports Umberger believes she knows who attacked her. She says she plans to press charges.