Major rescue after diver goes missing

Major rescue after diver goes missing

13 April 2016

A MAJOR rescue operation took place on Saturday afternoon after a diver was reported missing.

The diver failed to return after a dive in Ringhaddy Sound, near Whiterock, and the alarm was raised by his diving companions when they realised he hadn’t surfaced just after 4pm.

The Coastguard Operations Centre in Bangor tasked Portaferry lifeboat, the Irish Coastguard helicopter from Dublin, a PSNI helicopter and Portaferry and Bangor Coastguard teams to the scene.

The diver was found on the shore by residents shortly afterwards.

Graham Edgar, Senior Maritime Operations Officer with the Belfast Coastguard, said it was a great outcome for all involved. 

“The other divers in the group did exactly the right thing — they called us as soon as they realised he was missing,” he said.

“Fortunately the diver was found safe and well. We would urge all divers, as this diver did, to let someone know where they are planning to dive, when they are planning to come back and, if possible, dive within a group. Also, keep a close eye on the weather and sea conditions and always dive within your limits.”

He was checked over by Portaferry lifeboat crew and the Irish Coastguard’s paramedic and, after advice from a specialist doctor, the diver was given the all-clear and allowed to make his way home.