Overdue diver found safe and well

HM Coastguard received a 999 call at 3.23pm today (April 25) about an overdue diver. He was reported as missing by his friend, who had also been diving from the same boat off Lyme Bay, Lyme Regis. RNLI lifeboats from Lyme Regis and Exmouth were sent, along with Lyme Regis coastguard rescue team and search and rescue helicopters from St Athan and Newquay. Other nearby vessels including HMS Tyne and two fishing vessels also assisted with the search. The diver, who had been diving without a buddy, was found safe and well by the lifeboat from Exmouth shortly after 5pm. He had surfaced safely but had lost sight of the dive vessel after his line became detached. Both of those onboard the boat had been diving as a leisure activity and were fined by police after being brought back to shore. The Government has been clear that during this coronavirus pandemic we need to #StayHomeSaveLives. Leisure diving is not essential and every 999 call made could put our frontline responders at risk of #COVID-19 and places avoidable pressure on our vital NHS services. So please - stretch your legs but not our resources. The Government guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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