Police team operating off Caithness coast in search for missing diver
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A police team is working off the east coast of Caithness as part of the search for the diver who went missing in the Pentland Firth a week ago.
Police Scotland's Dive and Marine Unit is understood to be carrying out operations to the north of Wick. A police van was parked at the town's harbour on Tuesday morning with a dive unit trailer attached.
A major search involving HM Coastguard, RNLI crews and private vessels was instigated when Grant Wright failed to return from a dive close to the island of Swona last Tuesday evening. An appeal was made for anyone with information about the missing 64-year-old, from Moray, to contact police.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police searches and enquiries are continuing for a diver missing in the water near the island of Swona.
“Officers were made aware that Grant Wright, aged 64, from the Moray area, was missing around 8.25pm on Tuesday May 16, 2023.
“The diver’s family are being kept informed and supported by officers.
“Anyone with any information which could assist our enquiries is urged to contact 101, quoting incident number 3640 of Tuesday, May 16, 2023.”
The 22-hour search for Mr Wright was called off on Wednesday. HM Coastguard had been coordinating the operation, which involved coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh, Stornoway and Inverness, a coastguard aeroplane from Humberside and coastguard rescue teams from Scrabster, St Margaret’s Hope, Kirkwall, Duncansby and Wick.
Four RNLI all-weather lifeboats were sent to help – from Longhope, Wick, Thurso and Stromness. Four private vessels were also involved, including the NorthLink ferry Hamnavoe and the Pentland Venture operated by John O’Groats Ferries.
