Multi-agency search for missing swimmer who reportedly failed to resurface in Cornwall
Lifeboats, lifeguards, coastguard rescue teams and a helicopter swept the coast at Perranporth over the weekend
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
Multi-agency searches have been carried out for a missing swimmer who reportedly failed to resurface after entering the sea in Cornwall.
Lifeboats, lifeguards, coastguard rescue teams and a helicopter have been sweeping the coastline near Perranporth over the weekend.
It comes after witnesses reported seeing a woman dive under a wave at Perran Sands on Saturday afternoon, but fail to come back up.
Police say it is possible she made it to the shore unharmed and does not realise the incident has been reported.
The swimmer, described as being in her 40s or 50s and wearing a short black dress, is believed to be local after telling lifeguards she swims in these waters regularly.
As of Sunday evening, nothing had been found and officers have urged anyone who saw the woman or who can identify her to come forward.
Posting to Facebook on Sunday evening, St Agnes Coastguard Search & Rescue Team said: "Callout 46, Sunday 8th August 2021, 1719hrs, Perranporth Beach.
"Tasked to a report of a person seen diving under waves and not resurfacing.
"Thorough searches by Newquay Coastguard, Newquay RNLI Lifeboats, Padstow Lifeboat, RNLI Beach Lifeguards, Coastguard Helicopter 924 and HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety SCOO were carried out.
"The search was suspended at 0040hrs and continued again from 0950 - 1230hrs on Saturday 8th August.
"The description of the person is a white female in her 40s or 50s, slim build with dark shoulder length hair, wearing a short black dress.
"She is believed to be local because she informed lifeguards she is a regular swimmer in these waters.
"At this time nothing has been found.
"One of the possible outcomes is that she may have got out of the water unharmed and is unaware this has been reported, however witnesses have described her diving under a wave and not coming back to the surface".
Devon & Cornwall Police have asked anyone with information or who can identify the woman to contact them on 101, quoting log 585 of 7th August 2021.