RESCUE teams have called off the search for a diver who went missing off the Weymouth coast. 

A major search began at 1.50pm on Saturday as lifeboats from Weymouth and Swanage were launched alongside Coastguard helicopters and a fixed wing aircraft in search of a missing diver.

  It is understood that the diver went missing off the coast near to Castle Cove where a Coastguard helicopter landed on the beach before resuming its search shortly afterwards.

Search and rescue teams searched all afternoon and into the night as the light slowly deteriorated.

The lifeboat crews from Weymouth and Swanage stood down at 10.30pm due to losing light and returned to their stations.

However the Coastguard continued its search late into the night.  The Coastguard finally suspended its search at midnight, but a message to vessels in the area continued to be broadcast on emergency frequencies to look out for the diver.

The diver remains missing at this time.

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the search for a missing diver in the Dorset area.  “Alerted at around 1:50pm Saturday, May 25, two Coastguard helicopters, a fixed wing aircraft, Weymouth and Swanage RNLI lifeboats and Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team were on scene.

“The search was suspended just before midnight. Broadcast action to vessels in the area continued throughout the night and ton Sunday morning, but the search and assets have now been stood down.”  One person who witnessed the search. The helicopters were scouring the area and the two lifeboats crisscrossing the water.

It is terrible when something like this happens. But you always hold out hope. I am just thinking of his family right now.”

Dorset Police has been contacted for more information.