A NORTH-East scuba diver has died exploring the wreckage of an ocean liner off the coast of the United States.

Steven Slater, 46, of Gateshead, was part of a group diving to see the Andrea Doria ocean liner, 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."

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."