Search for missing diver in Pentland Firth called off
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The search for a diver missing in the Pentland Firth has been called off, HM coastguard has confirmed.
A full-scale search coordinated by the coastguard was launched after the alarm was raised at around 6pm on Tuesday.
A spokesman for said: "The search for an adult diver missing in the Pentland Firth has sadly been called off this afternoon [Wednesday, May 17] after a comprehensive search was unable to locate him.
"HM Coastguard coordinated the operation for about 22 hours following the alarm being raised from a spot south-west of the island of Swona at about 6pm on Tuesday.
"The search involved three coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh, Stornoway and Inverness, a coastguard aeroplane from Humberside and coastguard rescue teams from St Margaret's Hope, Kirkwall, Dunoon and Scrabster.
"Four RNLI all-weather lifeboats were sent to help from Longhope, Wick, Thurso and Stromness, and four private vessels have also been involved."
Related news
- John O'Groats ferry skipper tells of search for missing diver in Pentland Firth
- Rescue teams continue to search for missing diver in Pentland Firth
The Pentland Venture, operated by John O'Groats Ferries, was on its early-evening return journey from Burwick in South Ronaldsay when word came through about the search.
“Just after we'd left Burwick it came to our attention that this diver was missing," skipper Ivor Thomas said. "I got all the passengers and the crew to keep a lookout on the way south to John O'Groats.
"Then we went out again with just the crew and joined in the search for a few hours. I think we got in at about a quarter past nine."
