Brit diver, 43, discovered useless at backside of 270ft underwater cave as tributes pour in
Andrew Rice vanished after plunging into a narrow cave network in France and failing to resurface. Rescuers spent two days trying to find him, but their search ended in tragedy
Andrew Rice was found dead 270ft underwater(Image: Jam Press/Andrew Rice)
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a British cave diver found dead 270ft under water following a frantic two-day search. Andrew Rice, 43, vanished after plunging into a narrow cave network in France and failing to resurface.
The experienced diver, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, entered the Saint-Sauveur resurgence in Cal s at around 3.30pm on September 18. He had ventured into the cave system with two other divers, who later returned to the group.
But fears grew when Andrew failed to resurface by around 8pm and his friends raised the alarm, sparking a major search operation involving specialist cave divers, firefighters, gendarmes and members of a French cave-rescue organisation.
He vanished after diving into a cave network in France(Image: Jam Press/Andrew Rice)
Search teams battled through the cramped underwater passages for two days before making the grim discovery on September 20.
Andrew’s body was found around 270ft deep inside the narrow cave system. Reports said his body was caught in a guideline used by divers to navigate underwater caves.
The treacherous conditions made the recovery operation even more difficult after disturbed clay dramatically reduced visibility in the water.
Andrew was an experience diver(Image: Jam Press/Andrew Rice)
Authorities have not yet established Andrew’s cause of death and an investigation is underway.
Fellow divers and friends have since paid heartbreaking tribute.
One person said: “I am totally gutted. It’s so difficult to accept that I won’t see him again. He will never be forgotten.”
Fellow divers and friends have since paid heartbreaking tributes(Image: Jam Press/Andrew Rice)
Another person wrote: “Thankfully a rare occurrence but still devastating for all concerned. Thinking of you all.”
A third commenter wrote: “So tragic. Sorry to hear.”
Another person added: “Sad sad news. RIP and kind thoughts to the rest of his team.”
