John O'Groats ferry skipper tells of search for missing diver in Pentland Firth
A Caithness ferry skipper has told how he and his fellow crew members joined in the search for the missing diver in the Pentland Firth.
The Pentland Venture, operated by John O'Groats Ferries, was on its early-evening return journey from Burwick in South Ronaldsay when word came through at about 6pm on Tuesday.
HM Coastguard has been coordinating the operation, centred on an area south-east of Swona.
Coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh and Inverness were sent to assist, along with RNLI lifeboats from Longhope, Wick, Thurso and Stromness, and coastguard rescue teams from Kirkwall and St Margaret's Hope.
After the passengers had been returned to John O'Groats harbour, the four-strong Pentland Venture crew sailed back to the search area.
“Just after we'd left Burwick it came to our attention that this diver was missing," Mr Thomas said. "I got all the passengers and the crew to keep a lookout on the way south to John O'Groats.
"Then we went out again with just the crew and joined in the search for a few hours. I think we got in at about a quarter past nine.
“We'd have felt bad going back in and not looking. The flood tide had started by then as well, so there was some tide running by the time we were looking.
“At that point there were two lifeboats, and a third lifeboat came later on – possibly even a fourth lifeboat. The three lifeboats are still out, they're still looking.”
A number of other vessels have taken part in the search. These include the NorthLink ferry Hamnavoe, which sails between Scrabster and Stromness, and the fisheries protection vessel Jura.
“I couldn't keep track of them all, but there were various other boats offering assistance as well," Mr Thomas said.
“Visibility was good but there was a shallow westerly swell. That wouldn't have helped really when trying to look.”
Thurso lifeboat was launched at 9pm and didn't get back to port at Scrabster until after 4am on Wednesday.
Thurso RNLI said in a statement: "Thurso RNLI lifeboat The Taylors was launched at 9pm on Tuesday to assist HM Coastguard in the search for a missing diver in the Pentland Firth. Once on scene, the lifeboat joined forces with coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh and Inverness, along with RNLI lifeboats from Longhope, Wick and Stromness.
"Other vessels also supported the search, including the Fair Isle and the marine protection vessel Jura. The Taylors returned to Scrabster at 4.11am and was refuelled and ready for service at 4.30am.
"The search continues for the diver."
