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Body of cave diver recovered nearly 40 years on
On the 13th February 1971 Paul Esser died in a tragic accident whilst diving in the submerged upper section of the Porth yr Ogof cave system near Ystradfellte. Since it was the request of his family that no further lives be put at risk to recover Paul, he has remained in the cave since that time.
He had been diving with three other trainees when he lost his safety line and became stranded in the cave, where he eventually drowned.
Although the 21-year-old’s body was located at the time, several attempts to recover it failed because of dangerous waters and problems with visibility.
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But 39 years on, Mr Esser’s body has been recovered by the South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team, after a request from his surviving family.
A highly experienced cave diver who is part of the Cave Diving Group visited the site where Paul lay and deduced it would now be possible to remove the remains from the cave. This decision reflects the advances made in cave diving equipment and techniques during the last four decades.
Two divers recovered the remains last Thursday, which have stayed in virtually the same place since 1971.
It is understood Mr Esser’s mother had wanted to leave the body where it was, but after she and Mr Esser’s father died, the diver’s surviving family had asked for the body to be recovered.
Family members were present during the recovery operation.
The remains have been passed on to family undertakers for a burial.
It is understood Mr Esser will be buried alongside his parents.
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