Inquest Summary: Challenges at Dorothea Quarry
In 2025, an inquest was conducted to examine the demise of Tim James Waples, a diver who was found nearly 300 feet (85 meters) underwater at Dorothea quarry. Dorothea, a popular spot for divers, is remembered for its stunning, albeit extreme, water depths, adding a layer of challenge to modern diving practices.
The callsign incident was cited as one of the circumstances leading to Waples’ death. The expert confirmed that his diver gear was not suitable for such depths, highlighting the physical demands of professional diving. Waples, aged 60, was a pensions’=>" attraction to miners, showing the gravity and risk of diving in challenging environments.
The coroner declined to comment, linking the death to dive gear injuries, suggesting it was likely from natural causes. She deferred the post mortem review, imposing orders on further investigations. Waples’ unexpected mortality underscored the difficulty in recreating such scenarios, prompting the WaterSkill group to meditate on divers’ safety and conditions.
Dorothea Quarry, once a disused site in North Wales, faced two decades of exploitation. Work completed in the 1820s was halted during World War I, leading to a dry period that caused the opening in the late 1970s. The quarry’s extreme depths, similar to Dotty’s environment, offered a stark contrast to regulations, placing divers at risk.
As part of efforts to secure safer diving experiences, the British Sub Aqua Club reduced their participation in Dorothea since the mid-20th century. Significant calls for divers to return, granted an exclusive diving licence to North Wales Technical Divers Club, kicked in 2021. However, a recent survey found that only 11% of people requested to explore Dorothea regularly. The club remains determined, aiming for safer practices, despite the extreme risks.
