Cave diver in his 60s dies despite hours-long rescue bid launched when he got trapped deep under Cumbrian fell
- Pensioner was found 60 metres from the entrance at Lancaster Hole, Cumbria
- He was diving in one of the UK’s largest underground cave networks
- As many as 40 members of cave rescue groups scrambled to take part in search
A cave diver in his 60s has died after getting trapped deep underwater in a Cumbrian fell, despite a desperate hours-long bid to save him.
The pensioner was found 60 metres into the passages of Lancaster Hole, one of England’s largest underground networks, after a search was launched when he failed to resurface at the specified time.
A cave diver found the man after 40 rescuers from the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) and Cave Diving Group (CDG) rushed to the scene to search for the man.
Police said his next of kin had been informed.
A pensioner in his 60s has died after getting trapped in the extensive cave systems by the Lancaster Hole in Cumbria. (Pictured are rescuers)
As many as 40 rescuers rushed to the scene after the man was late to resurface
A spokesman from the CRO said: ‘We searched from the point where the cave diver entered the Lancaster Hole downstream passage, other entrances, and possible exits were also searched by team members and a cave diver.
‘Unfortunately, while conducting his underwater search the rescue diver discovered the missing diver.
‘The casualty was immediately brought back to the sump pool chamber and removed from the water, where it was apparent that he was deceased.’
On its Facebook page the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation said there was a huge logistical and physical effort involved, with a ‘very sad outcome’.
The cave system has several entry and exit points, and stretches beneath Cumbria, Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.
Cumbria Constabulary told The Telegraph that the man had been visiting the area on a cave diving trip.
A cave diver who went into the system found the man 60 metres from the entrance
The man’s next of kin have been informed. (Pictured above is the rescue operation)
Air canisters were made available for the diver before he headed into the cave system (pictured)