Man found dead in flooded area of England’s largest cave network

Body of diver found in submerged tunnel at Lancaster Hole

Rescuers descend into the Three Counties cave network to search for the missing man (Cave Rescue Organisation)

A man has been found dead in a flooded section of one of England’s largest cave networks, Three Counties.

Rescuers from the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) were called by Cumbria Police early Saturday to the Lancaster Hole on Casterton Fell after a cave diver was reported as being overdue.

40 CRO members and other rescuers from the Cave Diving Group (CDG) searched all entrances and possible exits to the Lancaster downstream passage.

The man, in his 60s, was found dead about 60 metres into a sump, which is a passage in a cave that is submerged underwater.

“All team members were then instrumental in conducting a lengthy and difficult extraction back to the surface of the fell,” said a CRO statement.

“The casualty was then conveyed to Bull Pot Farm and handed over to the care of Cumbria Police.”

The rescue group added: “Investigations into the cause of the incident are currently underway on behalf of the coroner by Cumbria Police.”

A spokesman from the police said: “The man is in his 60s, who is believed to be from the Lancashire area, was visiting Casterton Fell on a cave diving trip.

“The next of kin has been informed and the death is not believed to be suspicious.”

The Lancaster Hole is a submerged stretch of cave that floods other, normally drier, sections of the caves above during wet weather and is actively explored by cave divers.

The Three Counties cave network consists of interconnecting underground limestone caves which spans Cumbria, Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.