A woman who died after suffering medical problems while learning to scuba dive was likely the victim of a tragic accident.

Vikki Shelley fell ill at Holborough Lakes in Snodland last July during her third dive of a private course.

The published author, of Queensway in Sheerness, received treatment before being rushed to Maidstone Hospital and later transferred to the James Pagett University Hospital in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where she died.

Miss Shelley had been on a course — supervised by an instructor, a dive master, and a rescue diver — which is taken after completing initial training in a swimming pool.

This morning a pre-inquest review heard the 33-year-old died as a result of liquid on the brain caused by gas bubbles in her blood.

Assistant Coroner Kate Thomas said Dr Ian Calder, an expert on diving deaths, has submitted a provisional report which concludes Miss Shelley’s death was accidental rather than linked to any problems with equipment.

The report says the presence of spores on the mouthpiece of her mask did not contribute and neither did her asthma.

Miss Thomas said she would review the report before deciding whether the dive school or Miss Shelley’s GP should be given interested party status.

Solicitor Charles Sinclair, representing Miss Shelley's family, said delays in the transfer between Maidstone and Norfolk should be explored at the inquest.

A former pupil of Minster College in Sheppey, Miss Shelley had worked as a television extra and as a writer, using the name Victoria Ley under which she wrote The Darkseed Series.

At the time of her death a diving expert from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) in Kent, said: “We are shocked. When something like this happens a ripple goes through the industry.

“It is a very popular sport and is very safe.

“PADI trains hundreds of thousands of divers worldwide a year. The number of diving incidents in proportion is very small.”

The inquest was adjourned until Tuesday, October 13, for a two-day hearing with a jury – a jury is required as the issue has been investigated by both the Health and Safety Executive and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.