Tributes have poured in for a British cave diver who was found dead 270ft underwater after a two-day search.
Andrew Rice, 43, was discovered deep inside a narrow cave network in France after failing to resurface from a dive.
The experienced diver, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, entered the Saint-Sauveur resurgence in Calès at around 3:30pm on 18 September.
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He reportedly went into the cave system with two other divers, who later returned to the group.
The alarm was raised after Andrew failed to resurface by around 8pm.
A major search operation involving specialist cave divers, firefighters, gendarmes and members of a French cave-rescue organisation was launched.
Andrew’s body was sadly discovered two days later on 20 September, as reported by Need To Know.
He 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 recovery operation was made particularly difficult after disturbed clay dramatically reduced visibility in the water.
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.”
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.”
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