Major rescue mission for missing diver in Pentland Firth called off after nearly 24 hours

An overnight search for a diver who disappeared off Scotland’s north coast has been called off after nearly 24 hours.

HM Coastguard was coordinating the rescue mission after an alarm was raised at around 6pm on Tuesday, south east of Swona in the Orkney Islands.

The strait, in the north of Scotland, separates the Orkney Islands from Caithness.

Helicopters from Sumburgh and Inverness were also sent to help in the search along with RNLI lifeboats.

A Coastguard spokesperson said they had “very sadly” called the search off on Wednesday afternoon as the diver could not be found.

They said: “The search for an adult diver missing in the Pentland Firth has sadly been called off this afternoon after a comprehensive search was unable to locate him.

“HM Coastguard co-ordinated 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.”