Bodies of Polish divers found in Czech quarry

Hermanice Svobodnych quarry popular with divers: photo - flicker

A three-man Polish party had been diving in a former quarry near the town of Bruntal, in the north east of the country.

Police have not been able to clarify the precise reasons for the accident as of yet, but the site – famed for its crystal clear waters – was covered by a 20-centimetre thick layer of ice.

Czech police noted that the Poles had specialist equipment for diving under ice.

However, it appears that the divers began to experience problems at about midday. One of the three participants managed to clamber out of the icy lake, and alerted the Czech police.

Soon after beginning the search, the rescue team discovered the first casualty. They continued for several hours, going beyond the time when they were effectively certain that survival was impossible.

The second body was found that evening.

It is not the first time that a Polish diver has perished at the site. In March, 2006, a diver expired there after his breathing apparatus froze in the water. (nh)

Source: IAR