THE SEARCH for a missing diver in Dorset has been stood down by coastguard ‘pending any further information’, but Dorset Police are still carrying out searches. 

The diver was first reported missing off the coast of Swanage at 6pm on July 23.

A coastguard helicopter was seen scaling the seas along with the RNLI on July 24.

Now, the search has been called off unless there is new information on the whereabouts of the diver.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said: “HM Coastguard has stood down the search for a diver reported missing off the coast of Swanage, pending any further information.

“The operation involved two HM Coastguard helicopters and an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Swanage and Poole.

“RNLI lifeboats were sent from Swanage, Poole, and Yarmouth, with further support from nearby vessels responding to a local broadcast for assistance. Dorset Police was alerted.

“The alarm was raised at about 6pm on 23 July and the search was stood down at about 6pm on 24 July.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: ""Officers will be carrying out searches today, Thursday 25 July 2024, to locate the diver who went missing off Old Harry Rocks near Swanage.

"Police are searching and there will be activity on the water today."