Police and coastguard search for teenage diver, 17, who vanished off Dorset coast 15 hours ago

Oscar Montgomery, 17, is missing off the Dorset coast
Dorset Police
Ewan Somerville28 May 2020

Police and coastguard crews are searching for a teenage diver who has vanished off the coast of Portland in Dorset.

Oscar Montgomery, 17, was snorkelling off the coast of Church Ope Cove on Wednesday and was last seen about 5pm on Wednesday, police said.

Chief Inspector Lance Cliff said: “We are extremely concerned for Oscar and I am appealing to anyone who may have knowledge as to his whereabouts to please contact police immediately.”

Officers have been carrying out searches, assisted by HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Dorset Search and Rescue and Dorset Police.

Coastguard and police have joined the search for missing Oscar Montgomery
PA

Three helicopters, from the Coastguard, the Royal Navy, and Dorset police, are involved in the search, along with several water craft, HM Coastguard said.

Earlier this week, the RNLI pleaded with the Government to ban Britons from the coast, warning it is not safe until normal lifeboat and lifeguard coverage, which the charity provides, can be restored.

Police are appealing for information to help find the teen.

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Oscar's whereabouts is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 27:492. Alternatively they can contact Solent coastguard operations centre on 02392 552100.

MORE ABOUT