'They didn't know what they were getting ... into'

When Shay Lelegren pulled four bodies out of an underwater passage on Thursday morning, the experienced caver and rescuer said the victims were in a situation in which he'd never put himself.

"I thought 'that's something I've never done myself,' " Lelegren said. "Putting myself in that position to go through that cave. It was never one of my desires."

Underwater cave exploration, or cave diving, is an advanced form of scuba diving requiring extra certification and is considered dangerous by experienced cavers.

Lelegren, member of a local cave club, the Timpanogos Grotto, and a volunteer with the Utah County Sheriff's Department, said he was struck by the unpreparedness of the two men and two women who died, apparently while trying to exit the passage.

"They were in swimsuits. We put on wet suits to dive it ... it was pretty cold water," he said. "They only had one flashlight for four people. As members of the grotto, we always emphasize three sources of light per person. ...

"I just think it's tragic," Lelegren said. "We should be out there educating more."

Lelegren said the bodies were discovered in an underwater cave that started at a hole near the end of a mine shaft. He said the mine shaft was difficult to walk in because of a low ceiling and loose rock. The 15-foot underwater passageway ended in a small room.

Overall, accidents in caves are relatively rare and are on the decline, according to the National Speleological Society.

Lelegren said in the past 10 years he's participated in only four cave rescues, most involving entrapments, and this was the first that resulted in death.

Amy Bern, education division chief for the National Speleological Society, said people interested in learning about caving should contact a local grotto. Links can be found at the NSS Web site, www.caves.org, and at www.utah.com.

"Accidents among experienced cavers rarely happen," she said. "I think it's definitely a tragedy that could have been avoided."

She said basic safety precautions for beginning cavers include a helmet, sturdy boots, appropriate clothing, gloves, knee (and possibly elbow) pads, and three light sources. Groups should include at least three people, and someone at the surface should know where they're going.