Missing snorkeler search suspended

A SEARCH for a young snorkeler who was reported missing off Portland in Dorset has been suspended.

Oscar Montgomery, aged 17, from Birmingham, was diving off the coast of Church Ope Cove on Wednesday, May 27.

It is believed he was last seen at around 5pm.

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Despite a thorough and comprehensive search by RNLI lifeboats from Weymouth and Swanage, coastguard search and rescue helicopters from St Athan and Lee-onSolent, a police helicopter, two coastguard fixed wing search aircraft, rescue boats from the cruise ships Britannia and Queen Mary 2, two Royal Navy warships, a Royal Navy helicopter, coastguard rescue teams from Wyke and Portland Bill and Dorset Police, nothing has been found.

“The search, which began at 7.37pm on Wednesday, May 27 and continued overnight and throughout Thursday, May 28, has now been suspended, pending further information.

“Dorset Police is continuing to carry out extensive enquiries to try and locate the young snorkeler.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this very difficult time.”

In an update on Friday morning, Dorset Police said enquiries are continuing to find Oscar.

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.