Hastings Diver Search Called Off After Intensive Hunt
An urgent search for a missing diver off the Hastings coast has been officially scrapped after a relentless 24-hour air and sea operation. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, along with the RNLI, confirmed that despite a huge effort, the diver who failed to surface on Saturday remains missing.
Massive Rescue Effort Yields No Clues
The alarm sounded at lunchtime on Saturday, triggering wide-ranging searches by coastguard crews, lifeboats, a coastguard helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft. Nearby vessels also joined in the frantic hunt. However, no sign of the diver was found, and the operation ended at 11pm that evening.
Second Diver Vanishes off South Coast in Days
This troubling disappearance follows hot on the heels of another diver gone missing recently. Twenty-year-old Emily Sherwin vanished near Old Harry Rocks off Swanage, Dorset. Despite an enormous search involving over 30 lifeboats, helicopters, coastguards, and police, Emily has yet to be found.
“We are devastated beyond words,” said Emily’s family. “She was a vibrant soul with a deep love of the sea and dreams of marine conservation.”
Investigation Continues Amid Calls for Better Safety
Details about the Hastings diver remain under wraps, but the string of disappearances has sent shockwaves through the diving community. Authorities are now under pressure to strengthen safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
Sussex Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are probing the incidents and have been asked for more details.
