A significant search effort has been launched in the English Channel near Hastings, East Sussex, following reports of a diver missing since early Saturday afternoon. The operation involves multiple agencies including the Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The alarm was raised at approximately 1:25 PM, with emergency services quickly mobilizing resources to the location. The Coastguard helicopter from Lydd, situated on Romney Marsh, has been deployed and was seen circling a vessel believed to be associated with the diving expedition. Additionally, Dungeness RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat is actively participating in the search efforts.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard provided details on the ongoing rescue operation: “A search for a missing diver, involving the RNLI, a Coastguard helicopter and a Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, as well as vessels in the area, is currently ongoing off Hastings.
The search is concentrated a few miles off the coast of Hastings, where the diver was last reported. The area is being thoroughly scanned by both air and sea units in hopes of locating the missing individual.
Authorities are coordinating closely with vessels in the vicinity to assist in the search and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The community and local boaters are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or unusual findings to the Coastguard.
