THE family of the diver who has gone missing near the Swanage coast have paid tribute to the 20-year-old. 

A huge search operation has been carried out to find Emily Sherwin, from Poole, who was out diving by Old Harry Rocks on Tuesday evening, July 23. 

Despite extensive searches on Tuesday and Wednesday by HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Dorset Police and a police dive team from Avon and Somerset Police, Emily has still not been found. 

Her family has said they are “heartbroken” by the loss of Emily but are finding comfort knowing she was doing something she loved. 

'We will miss her forever,' Emily's family said'We will miss her forever,' Emily's family said (Image: Family handout)

They said: “We are heartbroken at the loss of Emily, but eternally grateful for the 20 wonderful years we had with her, and finding comfort in the fact that she was doing something she loved.  

“Emily was unique: high spirited, outgoing, loving and loyal. She lit up every room. Emily adored the sea and loved sailing and diving. She was looking forward to an exciting career in marine conservation. 

“We would like to thank all involved in the attempts to find Emily: the RNLI and coastguard teams, the police divers and all at Parkstone Yacht Club who took over 30 boats to join the search.  

“The search operation was a testimony to the impact she had upon everyone she met and the love we all share for her. 

“We will miss her forever.” 

Detective chief inspector Rachel Vallins, of Dorset Police, said: “Officers are continuing to keep the family fully updated and our thoughts are with all of Emily’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time. 

“With our partner agencies we have carried out extensive searches in the area where Emily had dived over recent days, but unfortunately we have been unable to locate her at this time. 

“Following liaison with maritime experts and a thorough examination of the conditions and circumstances surrounding this incident, we have now taken the decision to stand down our underwater searches. Officers have spoken with Emily’s family to inform them of this latest development. 

“While the dive search activity has now ceased, we will continue to carry out enquiries and remain committed to exploring every available line of enquiry to locate Emily. 

“Finally, I would like to thank all those from partner agencies, as well as volunteers from the community and our own officers, who have worked tirelessly in the search efforts.” 

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240112128. 

Boats searching the water on WednesdayBoats searching the water on Wednesday (Image: Submitted)

A spokesman for Swanage lifeboat station said: "Both Swanage's lifeboats, Poole and Yarmouth lifeboats were tasked to assist in a 24 hour multi-agency search for a missing diver last seen in the Swanage Bay area.

"Swanage's lifeboats searched from just after 6pm on Tuesday through to 6am the next morning when they were replaced by Yarmouth lifeboat.

"Yarmouth and Poole lifeboats then searched through to 5pm along with multiple private boats from Poole. At 5pm Swanage lifeboat took over from Yarmouth lifeboat to allow them to return to station.

"At 6pm on Wednesday evening the UK Coastguard called the search off following consultation with the diver's family and Dorset Police.

"Our thoughts are with the diver's family and friends."

Meanwhile, the Coastguard's search was stood down roughly 24 hours after the firm alarm came in at about 6pm on Tuesday, July 23.

HM Coastguard's spokesman added: “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."