Tragic Cave Diver Named

[L Roebuck]

Tragic cave diver named

A CAVE diver whose body was recovered from a pot hole in the Yorkshire Dales last week has been named as Michael John Wooding, 63, of Wigglesworth, in Ribblesdale.

He died in Meregill Skit pothole, near Ingleton, last Thursday (Aug 10) and the alarm was raised by another caver who noticed the man's car had been parked at the spot for some time.

Article: www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/display.var.877233.0.tragic_cave_diver_named.php

[Sharon Faulkner]

An updated report on the cave diving death that was noted last week.
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Cave diver death

A cave diver suffered a heart attack and died while in a pothole near Ingleton on Thursday.

The body of Michael John Wooding, 63, was found 50 feet down at Mere Gill Skit in Chapel-le-Dale. He was a vastly experienced cave diver and caver with more than 40 years experience. The alarm was raised when Mr Wooding's car was seen parked in the same spot for two days. Police called in Clapham Cave Rescue organisation and cave divers from the area to search for him. "The body was found very quickly and bought to the surface," said Rae Lonsdale from the cave rescue team.

Mr Wooding, a widower, lived at Wigglesworth in Ribblesdale and was diving alone. Police said a post mortem showed he suffered a heart attack while under water. "He was very experienced and well respected for taking great care and precautions," Mr Lonsdale added. "He was meticulous. He also had all the necessary qualities for a successful cave diver - he was calm, unflustered and checked everything methodically. "He was also regarded as being very fit." About 15 people turned out for the rescue bid.

Mr Wooding, whose other interests included fell running, is survived by a daughter, who is understood to live in the Leeds area.

www.lancastertoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=31&ArticleID=1696594

21 August 2006