British diver dies in Iraq

Investigations are continuing into why a diver from Wiltshire died while clearing shipping lanes in waters off Iraq.

Peter Rudorf, 25, from Salisbury was reported to have been taken ill while diving but details have not yet been confirmed.

He was employed by SubSurface Engineering Ltd, a Hampshire-based company contracted by the Americans to clear routes for supply ships to dock in the port of Umm Qasr.

Mr Rudorf was diving in front of dredgers helping to move debris and equipment from the sea.

'Deeply upset'

The company said it believed Mr Rudorf had fallen ill while diving and had been transferred immediately to the Umm Qasr medical centre where he received treatment but was later pronounced dead.

"Peter was part of an experienced dive team who had been working near Umm Qasr for the past three months.

"The cause of death has not yet been confirmed and the company has instigated its own investigations into the cause and circumstances."

Colleagues were said to be "deeply upset" by Mr Rudorf's death.

His uncle Mike Smith told the BBC: "It is a great loss. He was a fun-loving character with lots of friends and has now been taken very tragically from us."

Mr Rudorf's body was flown back to Britain over the weekend.