THE search for a diver missing off the coast of Swanage since Sunday afternoon has been called off.

The UK Coastguard said a major search across a 10-mile area had failed to find the man, who was missing from the dive vessel Emma J.

The search had been suspended late on Sunday night and discussions were held overnight about what to do next.

Police said the misisng man was aged 54 or 55 and from Taunton in Somerset.

He is believed to have belonged to a Bristol diving club visiting the area.

Tristam Newey, National Maritime Operations Commander, said: "This hasn’t been an easy decision to make. This man is still missing and we appreciate the concern and worry this is causing his family and friends.

‘We used many resources yesterday to make an extensive search of an area covering 10 square nautical miles.

"The search and rescue helicopter from Portland and then from Lee-on-Solent carried out a comprehensive search from the air and the lifeboats from Poole and Swanage did an equally thorough job on the sea.

"In the early hours of this morning yachts taking part in the Myth of Malham race passed through the area that we searched yesterday. We asked all to keep a look out for this diver but nothing was seen.

"This morning in the absence of any further information we have decided not to resume the search. The family has been informed of this decision."

The search started after the Coastguard received a call at 4.40pm on Sunday from the Emma J, reporting that only two out of three divers had resurfaced.

The search area started seven miles out to sea.

Poole all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboats, together with the Swanage all-weather lifeboat, were all involved in the search.

On Saturday, the Bristol-based Severnside Sub-Aqua Club had tweeted: "An early start today for our @BSACDIVERS down in #Swanage off exploring the Kyarra and Aparima wrecks with our RIB Emma J in sunny #Dorset!"

On Sunday night they added: "Message to all club members of @SevernsideSAC: Please check your emails for an important message sent out on behalf of the branch committee."

No one from the club was contactable this morning for comment.