Inquest opens over Iraq diver

The inquest into the death of a Wiltshire diver in Iraq has opened in Salisbury.

Peter Rudorf, 25, was clearing shipping lanes for the US government in the port of Umm Qasr when he died earlier this month.

It is thought he was taken ill while diving - but the cause of his death has not been confirmed.

His body was flown back into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire over the weekend.

'Deeply upset'

The Wiltshire coroner heard evidence confirming Mr Rudorf's identity, and adjourned the inquest to a later date.

A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out shortly.

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

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

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