Specialist Officers Deployed to Aid in Search for Missing Scallop Diver in Orkney
Specialist officers have been called in to assist in the search for a missing scallop diver in the Orkney area. The diver, a male who remains unidentified, was reported missing while working in the Scapa Flow area on Wednesday, November 27, around 2:30 pm.
Coordinated Search Efforts
Following the initial report, HM Coastguard quickly launched a search operation involving rescue teams from Kirkwall, Hoy, and St Margaret’s, as well as lifeboat crews, helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft, and three Orkney Islands Council tugs. Despite the extensive search across land, air, and sea, the initial efforts were stood down just after 3 am on Thursday.
Resumption of Search
Police are now taking the lead in coordinating search efforts, with coastguard searches resuming on Sunday. Officers from the Marine and Dive Unit are set to travel to Orkney to join the search, with further search operations expected to begin tomorrow morning. Teams from Stromness and Longhope lifeboat stations conducted separate searches around Scapa Flow on the previous day.
Efforts of Volunteer Crews
In a post shared online, the volunteer crew of RNLI Stromness lifeboat detailed their dedicated search efforts, stating, “Violet Dorothy and Kathleen steamed along the north shore of Scapa Flow, nosing into all the bays as far as Scapa before turning south and along the shore to Holm and the barriers before rounding the back of Flotta and out past Fara. The Longhope crew was carrying out their own search at the same time, before both boats were, eventually, stood down. Many thanks to both crews, as ever, for their commitment and diligence.”
As the search for the missing scallop diver continues, the collaborative efforts of various rescue teams and specialists underscore the unwavering commitment to locating the diver and ensuring his safe return home. The community’s support and the dedication of volunteer crews highlight the importance of coming together in times of crisis to help those in need, showcasing the strength and resilience of the Orkney community.