Seahouses RNLI involved in multi-agency operation to locate a diver

She had been diving from a local dive charter boat operating out of Seahouses. Both Seahouses lifeboats were launched, despite being low tide, and made their way to the scene. Local boats also joined the search, co-ordinated by the Seahouses All-weather lifeboat.

After an initial search and nothing found, further assistance was requested and Berwick-upon-Tweed All-weather Lifeboat and Craster Inshore lifeboats were launched to assist. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 999 from Prestwick also attended to assist as the search area was widened. Local Coastguard Rescue Officers were also in attendance on the shore.

Approximately two hours into the incident, a local passenger vessel sighted and recovered the body of the diver near where she was last seen, near Longstone Island. The casualty was transferred to Seahouses All-weather lifeboat, which brought her back to Seahouses, where ambulance crews and the air ambulance were waiting. Sadly, she was pronounced deceased.

Northumbria Police then took over the enquiry on behalf of HM Coroner. All rescue resources were then stood down, and returned to station.

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Clayton added, 'We are unsure how this tragedy occurred, but our thoughts are very much with the deceased lady’s partner, friends and dive colleagues. She had been with a party of divers from Ormskirk. Northumbria Police are now conducting enquiries, which will be referred to the coroner. This was a very harrowing incident for all concerned.'

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For more information please contact Ian Clayton, Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07981 069177.

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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