British nurse dies in Cayman Islands diving tragedy after passing out under water

Experienced diver Tina Baxter is believed to have passed out underwater and resurfaced unconscious.

The 47-year-old nurse was pulled on to the boat and given mouth-to-mouth. She was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at hospital.

Scroll down for more

Mum Sylvia Whittaker, who was on the same holiday, said her daughter "died doing what she loved most".

Unmarried Miss Baxter was taking part in an organised dive when the tragedy happened off the north west coast of Grand Cayman Island.

Devastated Mrs Whittaker, 68, who was not on the dive, said: "She loved diving.

"She had her open water, dive master and rescue diver certificates so we just don't know what happened.

"She said 'Bye Mum, see you later' and that was the last time I saw her."

The widow had been on a sightseeing trip during their two-week stay and was approached by the ship's doctor when she returned.

She said: "He came up to me and said 'Sit down, there is some bad news. There's been a terrible accident on the dive. Tina is very ill. They tried to revive her but they couldn't'.

"I was so shocked."

Scroll down for more

Miss Baxter, of Colne, Lancashire, had successfully completed 108 dives since taking up the hobby five years ago.

She had recently ended a long-term relationship before heading out on the second of three organised diving trips when she died.

Royal Cayman Islands Police said it appeared Tina had lost consciousness while returning to the surface.

A post mortem examination has taken place, but the results have not been disclosed.

The police and ferry company is investigating the incident - and Slyvia said the family was keen for answers.

Her daughter's body is due to be flown back to the UK in two weeks.

Her brother Ian Baxter who is a driving and skiing instructor, flew out to comfort his mum, but both have returned to the UK.

Mrs Whittaker, whose second husband Colin died three years ago, said: "She was a wonderful daughter and we were close. She was a strong person who was full of life.

"After I lost Colin she was a big support. She encouraged me to join a walking group, singling classes and taught me to snorkel. Without her I don't know what I would have done.

"It will be so difficult not having her around.

"She loved diving and she died doing what she loved the most."

The incident took place on January 19, on the West Bay.

Grand Cayman is one of three islands which make up the Cayman Islands that are situated almost 500 miles south of Miami in the turquoise waters of the western Caribbean.

Tina began nursing aged 18 before specialising in psychiatric care.

She began working as a matron for East Lancashire Primary Care Trust six years ago after completing a masters in nursing at the University of Hull in 1991.