SOUTH WALES, UK (3 Aug 2004) -- The search for a family doctor feared drowned while scuba diving off the south Wales coast has been called off. Experienced diver Dr Nick Lupini failed to surface after going on a routine dive with friends off the Gower peninsula on Sunday afternoon. The family of the Llanelli GP, aged 58, are now fearing the worst. The father-of-two, an advanced diving instructor, had dived all over the world and was known to be 'meticulous' about safety. As a member of the UK Sports Diving Medical Committee, he examined fellow divers to check if they were fit to dive. He disappeared during an outing from Port Eynon off Gower. A coastguard said: "He went over the side of the boat and went down unusually quickly. "One of the other divers went down after him but couldn't find him and raised the alarm." Three lifeboats and a police helicopter were scrambled and carried on looking until it got too dark. Friends said Dr Lupini had dived in the area dozens of times before. 'Terrible possibilities' Lifeboatman Owain Davies said: "I have dived with Nick and never known anyone as fastidious as he is. | | "He had two of everything including flares on his diving suit. He was meticulous. "Something must have gone very wrong very quickly for him not to have performed his routine checks. "He was an experienced diving trainer who had trained hundreds diving skills or imparted advice to them. "We feel for the family." Dr Lupini's wife Teresa is being comforted by their sons at their home in Llangennech, near Llanelli. A family spokesman said: "We are obviously extremely concerned and are at the moment still hoping for a favourable outcome. "However we aware of the terrible possibilities. "The family is remaining together and would greatly appreciate that our privacy be respected at this very difficult time." Dr Lupini - a GP for more than 30 years - is head of practice at the Ty Elli Group Practice. He is also chairman of the Carmarthen Bay Divers Club. Detective Inspector Paul Henwood of South Wales Police said: "The weather was bad and we were forced to call off the search. "It is devastating for the family and our thoughts are with them." SOURCE - Guardian |
