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Police launch search for diver missing in Orkney

Getty Images An aerial view of the Churchill Barriers at Scapa Flow. A large expanse of water with a causeway linked to a flat green island.Getty Images
Scapa Flow was the UK's chief naval base during the First and Second World Wars

Police have launched a search for a diver who went missing Scapa Flow, a stretch of water in Orkney.

HM Coastguard said the diver was reported missing just after 14:30 on Wednesday and a search was launched.

Two coastguard helicopters and another aircraft combed the area, alongside rescue teams from Kirkwall, Hoy and St Margaret's and lifeboats from Longhope and Thurso.

The coastguard operation was stood down just after 03:00, but police continue to search the area.

A spokesperson for Orkney Islands Council said: "Our tug fleet was involved yesterday afternoon and into the early hours of this morning in a search for a missing diver.

"As reported, that search was stood down at 03:00 and sadly the diver has not been found.

"As the dive was being conducted in the Harbour Authority area, we will conduct our own investigation into this incident.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the diver at this difficult time."