Body found in search for diver missing off Orkney coast

The diver was reported missing in the Scapa Flow area on Sunday.

Body found in search for diver missing off Orkney coast iStock

A body has been discovered in the search for a diver who went missing in Orkney waters.

A multi-agency operation including Coastguard teams from Kirkwall and Stromness and lifeboat crews from Longhope, Stromness and Hoy was launched on Sunday afternoon in the Scapa Flow area.

The alarm was raised at 2.50pm after the diver failed to return when expected.

A helicopter from Sumburgh, Shetland, was also called in to aid in the search, but the operation was stood down at 2am on Monday morning “pending further information”.

On Monday afternoon, a body was recovered in the Scapa Flow area which police believe is that of the diver.

Orkney inspector David Hall said: “Following searches in the Scapa Flow area, a body has been recovered this afternoon which is believed to be of a diver reported missing on Sunday, June 27.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Scapa Flow was an important Royal Navy base during the World Wars and was the scene of the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919.

The sunken German ships are a well-known and popular diving spot.

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