Diver found dead off Dorset after being reported missing off coast

29 August 2023 , 07:30

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Coastguard launched a hunt for the missing man around 3.40pm yesterday (stock image) (Image: PA)

A diver has been found dead off the coast of Dorset after being reported missing.

Coastguard launched a desperate search on Monday around 10am, involving helicopters and lifeboats, after a man in his 40s, from Hampshire, failed to return to his boat, off Portland. Rescuers scoured the English Channel around give miles south of Portland Bill, which sits at the southern tip of the Isle of Portland.

Sadly, they found a body in the water and Dorset Police said it was located off the island at 3.40pm. A force spokesman said next of kin had been informed.

They added: “At 3.40pm on Monday 28 August 2023, Dorset Police received a report from the coastguard that a diver who had been missing since the morning had been located in the water off Portland. Sadly, the diver – believed to be a man in his 40s and from Hampshire – was pronounced dead.”

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “HM Coastguard has been responding to reports of a missing person off Portland today. Alerted at about 10am, Coastguard helicopters and lifeboats from Weymouth, Exmouth and Swanage were sent to conduct searches of the area. Vessels in the area have also been assisting with the search.”

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Portland is a popular place for divers, who head down to catch a glimpse of the Channel wrecks there, alongside drifts and reefs.

The coroner has been notified.

Ben Mitchell