HARTLEPOOL, UK — An inquest into the death of a BSAC diver off the coast of Hartlepool has been opened and adjourned. Malcolm "Colin" Bell was diving with two friends 11 miles off the coast when he got into difficulty and came to the surface unconscious. RNLI lifeboat crews and a helicopter from RAF Boulmer were scrambled but the 52-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem examination was carried out by consultant pathologist Dr Jan Lowe on Tuesday, but the exact cause of death is yet to be established. The inquest into the death of Mr Bell, who lived in Alexandra Park, Scarborough, was opened and adjourned by town coroner Malcolm Donnelly. Mr Donnelly, who issued an interim death certificate, said: "A post mortem examination has been carried out, but he is unable to give me a cause of death and for that reason I have to adjourn the inquest today. "The police are also investigating because there is the possibility that this may be a relevant matter for them." A police investigation is still being carried out and the diving equipment used by Mr Bell is being forensically examined, as is the case with every diver death. Mr Bell's wife Jean was present at the short hearing, but was too upset to speak to the Mail afterwards. HM Coastguard received the mayday call at around 3pm on Saturday, August 8, and Mr Bell was pronounced dead shortly after. The inquest was adjourned to a date yet to be fixed. | 
