**Diver Tragically Dies at Disused Dorothea Quarry in Gwynedd**
A tragic incident claimed the life of a 60-year-old man at the historic Dorothea Quarry in Gwynedd, North Wales, over the weekend. Emergency services were summoned to the rural site on Saturday following reports of a diver in trouble at the disused quarry. The North Wales Police later confirmed that the individual had sadly died, his body being discovered in one of the quarry’s deep, water-filled basins.
Dorothea Quarry, situated in the picturesque Nantlle Valley near the village of Talysarn, is known for its striking, waterlogged appearance, with three vast flooded lakes formed by years of slate extraction. While no longer active, the quarry continues to attract divers, drawn by its underwater landscapes and sense of adventure. However, the site’s reputation for exhilarating exploration is matched by a history of risk.
In an official statement regarding the incident, a North Wales Police spokesperson said, “Police attended the Dorothea Quarry area of Caernarfon following a report of an incident involving a diver. Emergency services attended the location which sadly resulted in the body of a 60-year-old man being recovered.” The spokesperson added that the man’s family has been notified, and that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
As is standard procedure in such cases, the local coroner has been informed, and an inquest is expected to be opened in due course. Further details regarding the man’s identity have not yet been released to the public, pending notification of all next of kin.
The quarry, which sprawls across a significant expanse of North Wales countryside, has long been a subject of debate among both locals and authorities. Though its beautiful turquoise pools are visually enticing, the site is widely recognised as hazardous. Deep, cold waters, submerged machinery, and unpredictable conditions can pose significant dangers, even for experienced divers.
Despite being privately owned and officially closed to the public, Dorothea Quarry remains a magnet for adventure seekers. It has developed something of a cult status within the UK diving community due to its unique underwater structures and depth, but it also holds a grim track record for fatal incidents. Concerns have frequently been raised about unauthorised access and safety at the location, sparking ongoing discussions about whether more stringent measures are needed to deter would-be divers.
In the wake of this latest tragedy, local residents and organisations have expressed their condolences to the man’s family. The event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to safety precautions and regulations around disused industrial sites, particularly those involving deep water.
No further information has been shared regarding the circumstances which led to the diver’s distress, and official investigations are expected to clarify the cause of the incident in the coming weeks. Until then, the quarry’s dangerous allure remains under the scrutiny of both authorities and the general public.
As Gwynedd comes to terms with this loss, the debate around public safety, the responsibilities of site owners, and the need for greater awareness of hidden dangers at abandoned, yet alluring, locations like Dorothea Quarry, is likely to continue.