Poole student died in ‘vortex’ current during Dorset coast dive

A student from Poole died in a “vortex” current during a dive on the Dorset Coast.

Emily Sherwin was diving at Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, when she became separated from her friend in a current described as an “underwater vortex”.

An inquest into the incident took place on Thursday, disclosing that her body has not been located after a search of the sea area. 

Emily had completed the first year of her marine biology degree at the University of Plymouth when she was invited to dive with a group of friends on the 23rd July last year. 

They entered the water around Old Harry Rocks at approximately 5:50pm, using scuba masks and diving equipment.

Beth Pryor, a fellow first year marine biology student, said that the pair had descended to a depth of around seven metres (23 ft) when they began to spin around in an underwater vortex.

Beth said in a statement: “We held each other’s arms and I signalled to Emily two or three times to go back up to the surface, but I did not see her respond. Visibility was poor and I could only see about one metre. I could see Emily was vertical and not rising.”

She added: “Her regulator was out of her mouth. She was sinking at the time, and I attempted to reach down, but that was not possible. At this point, I could feel some water seeping into my mask.”

Emily had around two years of diving experience. Emily’s mother, Ellen, shared with the Guardian that her daughter described diving as “her safe space”.

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Ellen added: “She had enjoyed her first year of university and was looking forward to returning to move in with her friends in September.

“Emily was fit and healthy and passionate about the natural world, especially sea life.”

Emily had plans to do a work placement in the Pacific during the third year of her degree.

The exact cause of Emily’s death remains unconfirmed, as coroner Richard Middleton provided a narrative conclusion at the inquest.

Featured image via Dorset Police and John Tomlinson on Creative Commons