A major search for a diver who disappeared off Scotland's north coast has been called off after almost 24 hours. Lifeboats, helicopters and private boats searched for the man after he was reported to have vanished to the south-west of the Isle of Swona, near Orkney, at 6pm on Tuesday.
Coastguard rescue teams from Kirkwall and St Margaret's Hope were called out to scour the area. The Pentland Firth, known to be a dangerous area due to its powerful tidal currents, separates the Orkney Islands from Caithness.
On Wednesday evening HM Coastguard, who co-ordinated the operation, said they had "very sadly" called the search off as the diver could not be found. The diver is reported to have entered the water near the Tails of the Tarf and failed to surface when expected.
The alarm was raised via a passing passenger vessel. Multiple RNLI crews were involved in the search, with lifeboats from Longhope, Stromness, Wick and Thurso called out to assist. In a statement, RNLI Longhope said that despite a "supreme effort" to locate the diver, he could not be traced.
The statement added: "Local knowledge and experience of the fierce tides of the Pentland Firth led to the search of a large area East and South East of the dive location. Over the space of 24 hours the search involved four RNLI lifeboats, each returning several times, alongside three helicopters, coastguard teams on shore and a number of local vessels.
"Unfortunately, in spite of the extensive and lengthy search operation, the diver has not been located. Our thoughts are with the diver’s family and friends at this difficult time."
An HM Coastguard spokesperson 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 from a spot south-west of the island of Swona at about 6pm on Tuesday, May 16.
"The search involved three Coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh, Stornoway and Inverness, a Coastguard aeroplane from Humberside, and Coastguard Rescue Teams from St Margaret's Hope, Kirkwall, Dunoon and Scrabster. Four RNLI all-weather lifeboats were sent to help from Long Hope, Wick, Thurso, and Stromness, and four private vessels have also been involved."
The RNLI crew based at Stromness has thanked those who supported the search. No details have been released on the identity of the diver.
In a post on its official Facebook page, it said: "Thank you for your messages of support for our crew. They are much appreciated after such a long, harrowing search."
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