Major search for missing diver off the Swanage coast

Two coastguard helicopters and several lifeboats are involved

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 24th Jul 2024

A major search is taking place for a diver who has gone missing off the coast of Swanage.

The coastguard were alerted yesterday evening to the incident off Old Harry Rocks.

Two helicopters and several lifeboats are involved in the search.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:

"HM coastguard is coordinating the search for a missing diver off Swanage.

"Alerted just after 6pm yesterday evening (23 July), two coastguard helicopters, Swanage, Poole and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats and Swanage and Poole Coastguard Rescue Teams have been assisting with the search.

"The search is currently still underway.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said:

"Officers are assisting the coastguard, which is currently leading on the search operation, and we have been carrying out a number of enquiries, however, the diver has not been located at this time.

"The diver’s family has been informed."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.