A 25-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were reported missing on Friday 9 April after failing to return from a dive at the National Diving Centre; an inland quarry at Tidenham, Chepstow.

The entrance to the NDC was blocked by police cars on Saturday 10 April, and divers were turned away from the site after the couple's red Mondeo was found in the car park after the end of diving on Friday. Staff at the NDC realised that the divers were missing, and immediately informed the emergency services.

Somerset police contacted the divers' families and sent in a police diving team to try to find the bodies. Unfortunately the three day search has so far proved fruitless, and officers believe that the pair may have become trapped in underwater tunnels at the site.

The two divers, both from Berkshire, were said to be qualified and experienced.

The NDC opened in February 2003 and is based at a former limestone quarry. It offers diving in a range of depths from 0-9m, 9-18m, 26, 45, 50 and 80m - catering for all levels of diver experience. The centre owners consulted extensively with the HSE on diver safety procedures before opening for business. This is the first incident involving fatalities at the site.

UPDATE
The bodies of two divers, believed to be those of the missing man and woman, have been located at 5pm today (Tuesday 13 April) by the police team, using ROVs. The recovery and formal identification is due to take place tomorrow.

Any divers using the NDC on Friday 9 April are asked to contact the Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234.

Relevant links
National Diving Centre website
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