Missing divers off Farne Islands

Sea conditions were quite choppy, rough in places, with rain and some sea mist.
The Lifeboats were launched and made best speed to the search area.

Berwick Lifeboat was also launched to assist in the search.

Shortly into the search, a local trip boat reported spotting the divers, some distance from where they had entered the water. There are strong tides around the islands. Their dive support boat made its way to the sighting location, and was able to recover them from the water.

They were very cold, and were transferred to the Seahouses All Weather Lifeboat which arrived at the scene moments later. The divers were given warm drinks aboard the lifeboat and warmed, as they were brought ashore at Seahouses, where they were met by local Coastguard personnel.

The divers were given advice about the symptoms delayed diving illnesses (the bends and secondary drowning). Should these symptoms develop, they were advised to seek medical advice immediately. They declined any medical assistance once ashore.

The Lifeboats then returned to station, and were ready for service again at 4.45pm.

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