Diver Missing in Dover Strait
A diver, whose identity has not been revealed, went missing near Hastings off the south coast of England on Saturday. The alarm was raised at approximately 1:50 PM after the diver failed to resurface as scheduled during a dive in the Dover Strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes globally.
Search and Rescue Efforts
A massive search and rescue operation was swiftly initiated, involving various agencies and personnel.
Resources Deployed:
- Two HM Coastguard helicopters
- Three fixed-wing aircraft
- Lifeboat crews from RNLI Hastings, Eastbourne, and Dungeness
The search effort commenced but was officially called off around 11 PM on Saturday night.
Dungeness Lifeboat Response
“Yesterday Solent Coastguard requested the launch of our Shannon-class lifeboat in response to a missing diver on the edge of the shipping lanes ten miles south of Hastings. The lifeboat made best speed and arrived on scene to assist with the search alongside Eastbourne RNLI, Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, two helicopters, and three fixed-wing aircraft from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as well as multiple commercial and private vessels transiting the shipping lanes.”
A spokesman for Dungeness Lifeboat Station provided details on the operation:
Despite extensive multi-vessel efforts, the search concluded with no discoveries by 11 PM, and all assets were subsequently stood down.
Recovery of the Diver’s Body
On Sunday afternoon, a group of divers located the body of the missing diver. Sussex Police confirmed the recovery and stated that the body had been identified, and the diver’s next of kin had been informed.
A police spokesperson stated:
“We can confirm the body of a diver has sadly been recovered off the coast of Hastings this afternoon. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, and this will now be a coronial matter.”
A Series of Tragic Events
This incident marks the fourth tragedy to occur along the south coast of England in July. It follows the recent search for 20-year-old Emily Sherwin, an aspiring marine biologist, who went missing near Swanage, as well as other diver incidents in the area. Earlier in the month, a diver was also reported missing off Beachy Head, and another diver in his 50s tragically passed away after being rescued by a coastguard helicopter at nearby Cuckmere Haven.
The community extends its condolences to the diver’s family and friends during this difficult time.
References
- Image by Frans Berkelaar from PxHere
