Body found in water near Minquiers confirmed as French diver

Tuesday 30 April 2024

A body found in the water near Les Minquiers earlier this month has been identified as a 55-year-old French diver.

Arnaud Chauvel was pronounced dead at St Helier Harbour after his body was found in the sea on 1 April.

A short hearing was held this morning to open the inquest into his death, and allow Mr Chauvel's body to be released so that his funeral could take place.

Police Coroners Officer Andy Bisson gave a brief outline of the circumstances.

Mr Bisson said the crew of Jersey-based fishing vessel Ruby Roo had seen a body floating in the water south of Les Minquiers at 11:55 on Monday 1 April.

The hearing was told that the fishing vessel retrieved the man, who was wearing a wetsuit, weights and carrying a diving knife.

His body was then taken onto a lifeboat when it reached the scene and brought to St Helier Harbour, where an official pronouncement of death was made by a paramedic at 15:30.

Mr Bisson said the man was subsequently identified as Arnaud Michel Andre Chauvel, a 55-year-old French national who lived at Langueux, near St Brieuc.

He confirmed that police were not treating the death as suspicious.

Relief Coroner Cyril Whelan authorised the release of Mr Chauvel's body ahead of liaison regarding repatriation between funeral directors in Jersey and the French consulate, and adjourned the inquest pending the outcome of further investigations.

Pictured top: The dead man's body was retrieved by Jersey-based fishing vessel Ruby Roo.