Diver missing in Pentland Firth near Orkney for almost 48 hours named as search continues

Police have named a missing diver after a major search and rescue operation to find him was launched in the Pentland Firth.

Grant Wright, 64, from Moray, was reported missing to police around 8.25pm on Tuesday after alarms were raised with HM Coastguard around 6pm.

Rescue helicopters and RNLI lifeboats were deployed to help search in the water near the island of Swona in Orkney.

HM Coastguard, who were coordinating the searches, announced on Wednesday evening that the search had “sadly stepped down” after teams were unable to locate Mr Wright.

However, Police Scotland confirmed their own search and enquiries are continuing and Mr Wright’s family are being supported by officers.

Anyone with further information has been urged to come forward.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police searches and enquiries are continuing for a diver missing in the water near the island of Swona in Orkney.

“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.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “The search for an adult diver missing in the Pentland Firth was sadly called off on Wednesday afternoon 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 May 16.

“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 Long Hope, Wick, Thurso, and Stromness, and four private vessels have also been involved.”