Tributes to Brit diver, 43, found dead 270ft underwater after vanishing in narrow cave network in France

HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a British cave diver found dead 270ft underwater after a desperate two-day search. Andrew Rice, 43, vanished after plunging into a treacherous cave network in France before failing to resurface. Andrew Rice was found dead 270ft underwater Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Rice The experienced diver vanished after plunging into a treacherous cave network Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Rice The experienced diver, from Stroud, Gloucestershire, entered the Saint-Sauveur resurgence in Calès at around 3.30pm on September 18. He reportedly ventured into the sprawling underwater system with two other divers, who later made it safely back to the group. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! But fears grew when Andrew failed to emerge and the alarm was raised at around 8pm. A huge rescue operation was launched as specialist cave divers, firefighters, gendarmes and French cave-rescue experts raced to find him. But divers could not immediately bring his body to the surface due to rough conditions under the water. The operation continued until midnight before being suspended. Rescuers returned in greater numbers on Saturday, bringing in additional equipment as they pushed deeper into the labyrinthine cave network. Teams searched an air chamber around 260ft below the surface in the hope the missing Brit had managed to take refuge there. Most read in The Sun But there was no sign of him. Authorities believed he had been carrying enough oxygen to survive for around eight hours. He reportedly ventured into the sprawling underwater system with two other divers Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Rice Authorities have not yet established the cause of death Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Rice An additional gas cylinder was later discovered unused. After the air chamber was searched and the estimated eight-hour oxygen window had passed, authorities opened a missing persons investigation. Search teams battled through the cramped underwater passages for two days before making the grim discovery on September 20, NeedToKnow reports. Andrew was found around 270ft beneath the surface inside the narrow cave network. Reports said his body had become caught in a guideline used by divers to navigate the twisting underwater passages Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Rice Devastated friends and fellow divers have since paid tribute to the experienced Brit Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Rice Reports said his body had become caught in a guideline used by divers to navigate the twisting underwater passages. The treacherous conditions made the recovery even more difficult after disturbed clay clouded the water and dramatically slashed visibility. Authorities have not yet established how Andrew died and an investigation remains underway. Devastated friends and fellow divers have since paid tribute to the experienced Brit. One said: “I am totally gutted. It’s so difficult to accept that I won’t see him again. “He will never be forgotten.” Another wrote: “Thankfully a rare occurrence but still devastating for all concerned. “Thinking of you all.” A third added: “So tragic. “Sorry to hear.” Another mourner said: “Sad sad news. “RIP and kind thoughts to the rest of his team.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. 1 comment1