An inquest heard that a student died after becoming lost while diving at sea and being caught in an underwater vortex.
Emily Sherwin of Poole went missing after diving off Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage, Dorset, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
Ms Sherwin, 20, who was studying marine conservation at the University of Plymouth, told the Bournemouth hearing that she had “loved” diving since completing her Padi qualification the previous summer.
Coroner Richard Middleton stated that a search for Ms Sherwin was launched after she became separated from her dive buddy due to an underwater current.
He stated that he was unable to provide a cause of death because Ms Sherwin’s body had not been found, despite a search involving the Coastguard, police, RNLI, and local boat users.
Mr Middleton stated in his narrative conclusion that Ms Sherwin was caught in a vortex upon entering the water, became separated from her dive buddy, and failed to return to the surface.
“An extensive search was launched by a number of agencies but Ms Sherwin could not be found.”
Ms Sherwin’s mother, Ellen Sherwin, said in a statement read at the hearing that her daughter was “passionate” about nature.
She stated that she had enjoyed her first year of university, both academically and socially, and was looking forward to sharing a house with friends.
“She was involved in the sailing society and had taken a sailing vacation while at university.
“She is outgoing and very social.”
Ms Sherwin began scuba diving in the summer of 2023 and “immediately loved it,” her mother stated.
She stated: “She was passionate about the natural world, particularly the sea world, and her hero was David Attenborough.
“She started diving a year ago and fell in love with it right away. She described a deep sense of calm while underwater; ironically, she described it as a safe place.
In a statement released by police following Ms Sherwin’s disappearance, her family stated: “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 one-of-a-kind: energetic, outgoing, loving, and loyal. She illuminated every room. Emily adored the sea and enjoyed sailing and diving. She was looking forward to a promising career in marine conservation.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped find Emily, including the RNLI and coastguard teams, police divers, and everyone at Parkstone Yacht Club, who brought over 30 boats to the search.
“The search operation demonstrated the impact she had on everyone she met and the love we all have for her.
“We will miss her forever.”