Search for missing diver in Pentland Firth called off
- Published
The search for the diver had begun on Tuesday evening
A major search for a diver reported missing in the Pentland Firth has been called off.
The alarm was raised at around 18:00 on Tuesday, south east of Swona in the Orkney Islands.
The air and sea search continued through the night.
HM Coastguard, who were co-ordinating the operation, said the search was called off on Wednesday afternoon after the man could not be found.
The operation involved three Coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh, Stornoway and Inverness, a Coastguard plane from Humberside, and Coastguard rescue teams from St Margaret's Hope, Kirkwall, Dunoon and Scrabster.
Four RNLI lifeboats were also sent to help from Longhope, Wick, Thurso, and Stromness, and private vessels also assisted.
HM Coastguard 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."