Diver rescued from shipping lane in English Channel

A diver has been rescued from the shipping lane in the middle of the English Channel after he was seen in the water shouting for help.

Dover Coastguard was alerted after he was spotted near the Sandettie South West Buoy, in the Dover Strait, by a passing ship at about 15:45 GMT.

An RAF rescue helicopter and two RNLI lifeboats were sent to the scene, while a warning was broadcast to vessels.

The diver was later reunited with a dive boat in the area.

Dover Coastguard watch manager, Sarah Bray, said it was not known how the diver had ended up in the shipping lane, but he was lucky to have been spotted and rescued quickly.

"The diver was diving solo and wearing the correct equipment for this time of year but we were unaware that a dive was taking place in our area.

"Divers are advised to make the coastguard aware of their plans at the start of a dive operation for their own safety," she said.