A SEARCH is continuing for a missing diver, who was last seen off the Dunbar coast.

The town’s RNLI lifeboat team was busy with their annual lifeboat fete on Saturday afternoon when they received the call.

After demonstrating training exercises, both the all-weather (ALB) and inshore (ILB) lifeboats were launched for real when the diver was reported missing three-and-a-half miles north of Dunbar. 

At the request of UK Coastguard, both boats, a Search and Rescue helicopter and the vessel Conserver conducted an extensive search of the area near the wreck of a First World War U-boat where the diver had last been seen.

However, after three hours and with no sign of the missing man, all assets were stood down and both lifeboats returned to Dunbar.

Gary Fairbairn, Dunbar RNLI coxswain, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident. 

“Even though it was Lifeboat Day, we were still on call and it highlighted just why we are dependent on the huge support we get from people in Dunbar.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland confirmed searches were still taking place.

She said: “Police in East Lothian were alerted by the Coastguard around 4.40pm on Saturday after a diver failed to resurface following an organised dive off the coast of Dunbar. 

“Specially trained officers are now leading the search for the man and we are continuing to liaise with his family to keep them fully updated on the progress of this operation."