Scuba diving student died after getting caught in ‘underwater vortex'
A scuba diving student died after she was caught in an underwater vortex, an inquest has heard.
Emily Sherwin, from Poole, went missing after a dive off Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, Dorset, on July 23 last year.
Sherwin, 20, who was studying marine conservation at the University of Plymouth, had 'loved' diving since completing her Padi qualification the previous summer, the Bournemouth hearing was told.
Richard Middleton, the coroner, said a search was launched for Sherwin after she became separated from her dive buddy when she got caught in an underwater 'vortex'.
Mr Middleton said that he was unable to provide a cause of death because Sherwin's body had not been recovered, despite a search involving the coastguard, police, RNLI and local boat-users.
In a statement read to the hearing, Ellen Sherwin said her daughter 'had loved her first year at university, enjoying both her course and the social life, and was looking forward to sharing a house with friends'.
She added: 'She was passionate about the natural world, particularly the sea world, her hero was David Attenborough.
'She started diving a year before and immediately loved it. She described a deep sense of calm when under the sea, ironically she described it as a safe place.'
'We will miss her forever'
In a statement released after Sherwin's disappearance, her family said: 'We are heartbroken at the loss of Emily, but eternally grateful for the 20 wonderful years we had with her, and finding comfort in the fact that she was doing something she loved.
'Emily was unique, high spirited, outgoing, loving and loyal. She lit up every room. Emily adored the sea and loved sailing and diving. She was looking forward to an exciting career in marine conservation.
'We would like to thank all involved in the attempts to find Emily: the RNLI and coastguard teams, the police divers and all at Parkstone Yacht Club who took over 30 boats to join the search.
'The search operation was a testimony to the impact she had upon everyone she met and the love we all share for her.
'We will miss her forever.'
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