Manslaughter charge over diver's death

A former college diving instructor is to be charged with manslaughter following the death of a student diver at a quarry near Carnforth.

Simon Weaver, 45, was allegedly supervising 29-year-old Peter Vause in the dive which took place at the Capernwray quarry in February 2001.

Mr Vause, from Charles Court, Blackpool, was on a training course at Capernwray with staff from the Fleetwood Nautical College when he got into difficulties.

Staff from the local diving school were involved in a rescue operation, but were unable to save him.

Court date

Since then there has been an investigation into what happened which has taken nearly three years to complete.

Now the Crown Prosecution Service has decided Mr Weaver is to be charged with manslaughter.

He will appear before magistrates in Lancaster on 8 January.

He will also face a health and safety charge.

The college is also facing charges it breached health and safety regulations.