65-Year-Old Cave Diver's Body Discovered a Day After Disappearing in Maze of Underground Tunnels

The remains of a cave diver who went missing in Tantanoola, South Australia, have been recovered a day after the incident. Authorities described the cave system as a complex network of passages, varying in size and accessibility.

South Australia Police confirmed on Monday, December 1, that the body of the 65-year-old man had been retrieved. The diver was located approximately 164 feet from the point where he separated from his friends during the dive.

Police, assisted by specialist divers from the Cave Divers Association of Australia, have successfully recovered the body following yesterdays diving incident at Tantanoola, the police statement said. Emergency services were called to Tank Cave near the Princes Highway at 10:30 AM on Sunday, November 30, after reports of a diver in distress. Police confirmed the diver had tragically died.

The operation involved expert divers who specialize in cave recoveries. Authorities emphasized that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. Superintendent Trent Cox noted, The coronial process will determine the cause of death. The cave system is extremely complexa labyrinth of tunnels with varying degrees of accessibility.

Although police declined to confirm the divers identity, multiple media outlets reported him as Gary Gibson. Gibson had been diving with two companions and turned back when he realized he could not fit through a gap. He did not reach the agreed meeting point with his friends.

Grant Pearce, national director of the Cave Divers Association of Australia, described Gibson as an experienced and enthusiastic diver. He had extensive experience in Tank Cave. It was a shock when he didnt return. Our thoughts immediately went to his wife, Pearce said.

Ten CDAA divers participated in the recovery, including Dr. Richard Harris, known for his role in the 2018 Thai cave rescue. Pearce highlighted the dangers of the cave, noting that in his 42-year career, only one person survived out of four separate rescue missions at Tank Cave.

The tragic recovery underscores the challenges and risks associated with cave diving in the region.

Author: Sophia Brooks