Search launched for missing diver

Rescuers have launched a search for a diver missing in the North Sea.

The alarm was raised after the man, believed to be from Cheshire, failed to resurface from exploring a wreck in Scapa Flow off the Orkney Islands.

He was with another diver swimming above the sunken vessel Markgraf when he got into difficulties and failed to resurface.

Emergency services were called at about 1050 BST and a search was launched, co-ordinated by Shetland Coastguard.

A coastguard helicopter and Stromness and Longhope RNLI lifeboats searched the water, battling force 6 to 7 winds.

Coastguard rescue teams from Hoy and Stromness were also involved in the operation.

The missing man was diving from the dive boat Karen.