GOZO ISLAND, Malta (3 Aug 2006) -- A mother watched in horror as her teenage son and husband died on a scuba-diving expedition at an exclusive Mediterranean island resort. Dr Sian Rees tried desperately to save son Rhydian, 16, and husband Richard Avent on the dream trip to the island of Gozo, near Malta. Dr Rees is an experienced diver - but her husband, an executive with heritage body Cadw, and son were both novices who got into difficulty 50 feet underwater near Marsalforn on the island. Dr Rees brought Rhydian to the surface while a diving instructor tried to rescue 58-year-old Mr Avent. She and instructor Brian Craine gave father and son the kiss of life. But they were unable to revive the pair who were dead when paramedics arrived on the scene. It was a tragic end to a dream holiday for Dr Rees and her husband, who worked together at the Welsh ancient monuments agency Cadw. The couple had talked for years about spending a diving holiday on Gozo and had taken their youngest son with them. He had just completed his GCSEs. Their two other children, college students Cerian, 22, and Tomas, 21, were not with the family, from Raglan, Monmouthshire, on their seaside holiday. The family were in a group which had been diving only 10 minutes when tragedy struck on Wednesday. The five divers were given instructions by Mr Craine before starting diving. Dr Rees and the instructor descended to 70ft while her husband and son stayed above them. Six minutes later Mr Craine signalled to Richard and Rhydian and the pair waved that everything was going well. But just minutes later the couple were in serious trouble when Mr Craine saw them holding hands. Mr Avent was struggling to push the button which inflates part of the equipment to take them back to the surface. But they blacked out and began to sink before Mr Craine grabbed hold of Mr Avent while Dr Rees took hold of her son and took them both to the surface. Villagers in Raglan were yesterday mourning a popular couple and their "caring and compassionate" son. Just before going on holiday Rhydian, a member of Raglan Baptist Church, had helped to run a week-long series of events and Bible readings for local children. He also helped out regularly at an old people's home in the area and played the trumpet in the church worship club. Minister Robert Atkins said, "He was an outstanding young man, very community spirited and the whole village is shocked at the tragedy. "He was a regular churchgoer and was involved in all aspects of church life." Mr Avent was Cadw's Chief Inspector for Wales while his wife, who was known by her professional name, was Inspector for South Wales. A family friend said, "The whole community is in shock - they are such a lovely, lovely family. "Sian and Richard were very popular in the village and this tragedy is devastating for everyone. "I was in hospital giving birth at the same time Sian had Rhydian on New Year's Eve 16 years ago. "I saw Rhydian grow up and he was a lovely boy in every way. "My heart goes out to Sian as a mother - she must be going through hell. "Rhydian was her youngest and the other two are away after going to college." | | Dr. Sian Rees desperately tried to save her son and husband who were novice scuba divers. The family live in a large detached house on a country lane in the picturesque village. The family always treasured their holidays together and yesterday their family camper-van was still parked outside their house. Neighbours said the couple loved going on holiday with all their three children - until the eldest two grew up. One said, "Rhydian was 16 now and they were aware he might not be going on holiday with them for much longer. That is why they wanted to make this holiday extra special. "I know they were really looking forward to the scuba-diving. It is a terrible tragedy." First Minister Rhodri Morgan said Mr Avent's achievements were enormous. "He earned an international reputation for his expertise as a champion of Welsh castles," he said. "Laugharne Castle, a site he loved and where he excavated and conserved the ruins throughout his whole career, now stands as testament to his passion and devotion to Wales' historic environment. "That was where he helped create one of the most beautiful places in Wales. "Richard's colleagues in Cadw are devastated at his death and I am deeply sorry for their loss. "I know he was held in the highest esteem by his colleagues for his great knowledge and professional judgment but also for his kindness and wisdom." Mr Avent graduated from Cardiff University, and worked briefly at Carmarthen Museum. In 1973 he joined the Ancient Monuments Branch of the Department of the Environment as assistant inspector of ancient monuments in Wales and was promoted to inspector in 1976. In 1984 he was appointed the principal inspector of ancient monuments and historic buildings soon after the formation of Cadw, and in 1990 he became chief inspector. A National Assembly statement said he was "instrumental in establishing the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts, and with his support the local archaeological service which they provide has flourished to become the envy of the other home nations. "He has been the champion of Welsh castles and their builders, and has an international reputation among castle experts. He pioneered the study of historic landscapes in Wales and, through the Register of Historic Landscapes, has ensured their future in the face of ill-considered change." Mr Avent was the president of the Cambrian Archaeological Association, a founder member of the ICOMOS (UK) World Heritage Committee, and served on the committees of the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Castle Studies Group and Chateau Gaillard. He was the author of Cadw's guidebooks to Laugharne, Criccieth, Dolwyddelan, Dolbadarn and Ewloe Castles, and Castell y Bere. He wrote the book, Cestyll Tywysogion Gwynedd - Castles of the Princes of Gwynedd (1983), and co-edited Castles in Wales and the Marches (1987). He published research into Anglo-Saxon brooches in two volumes in 1975, and contributed many articles to local, national and international archaeological journals. SOURCE - Western MailSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
