British Cave Diver Dies in French Cave System
Andrew Rice, 43, was found 270 feet deep after a two-day search and rescue operation.
A British cave diver has died after being discovered 270 feet deep within a cave system in France. Andrew Rice, 43, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, was on a dive in the Saint-Sauveur resurgence in Calès when he failed to resurface.
Rice entered the cave system around 3:30 p.m. last Friday with two other divers, who later returned to their group. The alarm was raised when Rice did not resurface by approximately 8 p.m. that evening. A search operation involving specialist cave divers, firefighters, gendarmes, and a French cave rescue organization was initiated.
Rice's body was found two days later, on September 20, at a depth of about 270 feet. Reports suggest his body may have become entangled in a guideline used by divers for navigation within the cave. The recovery effort was complicated by disturbed clay in the water, which reduced visibility.
Authorities are investigating the cause of Rice's death. Friends and fellow divers have paid tribute to him online.
"I am totally gutted. It's so difficult to accept that I won't see him again. He will never be forgotten," one diver wrote. Another commenter stated, "Thankfully a rare occurrence but still devastating for all concerned. Thinking of you all."
Rice had shared videos of his dives on his Facebook page and had expressed anticipation for reaching his 1000th dive. In a post on September 9, he wrote, "One year on and we are off again to continue unfinished business." His last Facebook post, made early on the day of his dive, stated, "Now feeling confident with its operation. Ready for the Big one Today Dive #1000."
