Tributes pour in after British diver found dead in underwater cave

A British cave diver who was found dead 270ft underwater in France following a days-long search has been identified.

Andrew Rice, a 43-year-old experienced diver from Stroud, Gloucestershire, failed to resurface after entering the Saint-Sauveur resurgence in Calès at around 3.30pm on 18 September.

He had gone into the narrow subterranean network alongside two other divers, both of whom later returned safely to the main group.

An alarm was raised when Mr Rice failed to emerge by around 8pm, prompting a major search operation involving specialist cave divers, firefighters, gendarmes and members of a French cave-rescue organisation.

Mayor of Cales Jean-Francois Poncelet said on Saturday that there was still hope that he may have found an air chamber, located about 260 feet below the surface, and taken refuge there.

However, when divers reached the chamber on Saturday and searched it, there was no sign of him.

His body was eventually located on 20 September deep inside the cavern system, at a depth of around 270ft.

He was caught in a guideline used by divers to navigate underwater caves.

The recovery operation proved particularly difficult after disturbed clay drastically reduced visibility in the water.

Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident, with the cause of death not yet established.

Mr Rice had been sharing a series of videos on his Facebook page from his latest trip to France, detailing various dives that he had undertaken over the past week.

On 9 September, he wrote: “One year on and we are off again to continue unfinished business.

“Hopefully all going to plan I'll complete dive 1000. Something a little special on the cards.”

In his final Facebook update posted early last Friday morning, he wrote: “One more shakedown Dive to practice with the needle valve added some months ago.

“Now feeling confident with its operation. Ready for the Big one Today Dive #1000.”

Fellow divers and friends have since paid tribute to Mr Rice online.

One person wrote: “I am totally gutted. It's so difficult to accept that I won't see him again. He will never be forgotten.”

Another said: “Thankfully a rare occurrence but still devastating for all concerned. Thinking of you all.”