Tributes pour in after British diver found dead in underwater cave
Por Charlie Watton — – World RSS Feed
Tributes pour in after British diver found dead in underwater cave
Andrew Rice, 43, was an experienced diver from Gloucestershire
Charlie Watton Tuesday 22 September 2026 11:34 BST
- Bookmark
- Comments Go to comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks
Close popover
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Read more
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.
open image in galleryHowever, 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.
open image in galleryOn 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.”
More about
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Most popular
Popular videos
Bulletin
Read next
Fonte: – World RSS Feed