The body of a diver was recovered from a depth of approximately 85 metres (nearly 300 feet) at Dorothea Quarry in Gwynedd, North Wales, according to a report from Wales Online.
An inquest opened on June 11 at Caernarfon confirmed the deceased as James Waples, a 60-year-old ITI engineer from Hertfordshire. Senior Coroner Kate Robertson stated that Mr. Waples had been using diving equipment when he was found at depth within the flooded quarry. He was declared deceased shortly after being located.
North Wales Police were called to the site at 1:37 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, following reports of a diving fatality.
Dorothea Quarry, located near Talysarn, has a long history as a slate quarry, operating from the 19th century until its closure in the 1970s. Over time, it became a site of interest for divers due to its considerable depth—exceeding 100 metres—and submerged industrial structures.
For many years, diving at the quarry was officially prohibited due to safety concerns and the absence of formal oversight. Despite this, the site continued to attract technical divers seeking challenging conditions. In 2021, licensed diving was reintroduced through the North Wales Technical Divers club, under agreement with the landowner.
Diving at Dorothea requires advanced training and technical experience due to its depth and cold, low-visibility conditions. The inquest into Mr. Waples’ death remains ongoing.
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