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British scuba diver Steven Slater dies at Andrea Doria wreckage

British diver: Steven Slater: Mark Dixon
British diver: Steven Slater: Mark Dixon

A British scuba diver has died exploring the wreckage of the doomed Andrea Doria ocean liner off the United States coast.

The man, named as Steven Slater, 46, of Gateshead, was part of a group diving to see the Italian ship which sank off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts in 1956.

Crew members from the Ol' Salty II boat are said to have pulled an unconscious Mr Slater from the water on Monday and he was later pronounced dead.

A statement from the family, posted on the Underwater Marketing page, said: "It is with absolute sadness that we have to tell you that Steven died on Monday 24th July whilst diving in the United States.

"We are all heartbroken but draw comfort knowing he was doing something that he loved."

Wreck: the Andrea Doria (Getty)
Wreck: the Andrea Doria (Getty)

A post on the EUROTEK Advanced Diving Conference page said: "Steve was a hugely respected and well-liked British wreck and technical diver.

"Steve pursued his passion, actively researching, then searching and diving missing wrecks with his friends."

The SS Andrea Doria sank in the Atlantic as it was heading for New York City when it collided with the MS Stockholm, killing 46 people.

Ol' Salty II's captain Nick Caruso said on Facebook: "We're coming home. Sad end.

"Our deepest, sorrow and sympathy to the family and friends of the lost brother wreck diver."