According to Police Scotland, the diver was reported as overdue at approximately 10.47 yesterday—Wednesday, 28 October 2020—at a location southeast of Houton Head, in the south of the Orkney mainland.

We have been advised by an eyewitness that the buddy pair separated on ascent. The eyewitness stated "The response by the Flow Fleet was amazing. All the dive boats, two lifeboats (Stromness and Longhope), a tug, ferry and a helicopter from Stornaway were involved with looking for the missing diver. One of the dive boats used their sonar equipment to search the relevant wreck."

The diver's body was found and brought to the surface by the crew of one of the dive boats, before being recovered by the lifeboat. Dive boat personnel formally identified the diver, to spare the diver's friends from the trauma of this necessary and important task.

The authorities have commenced inquiries to establish the full facts, and the family of the diver has been informed.

A real genuine gentleman, a lovely guy. A really good, avid technical diver.

The safe waters of Scapa Flow

Scapa Flow is arguably one of Britain’s most historic and famous stretches of water. Affectionately known as ‘The Great Harbour,’ this natural maritime haven, one of the largest in the world, has been used since prehistory with its sheltered waters playing a key role in travel, trade, tourism and conflict over the centuries.

In late November 1918, the German High Seas Fleet was interred in the Flow. On 21 June 1919, Rear-Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the biggest mass maritime suicide known, and the fleet was scuttled. Therefore, the sheltered waters and the wrecks are considered a mecca for divers.