A search for a missing diver in the sea near Falmouth Sunday afternoon was called off last night after nothing was found.

HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters from Newquay, St Athan and Lee on Solent were sent as well as the Lizard and Falmouth lifeboats. Local boats were also involved.

The original call came in at around 12.10pm on Sunday afternoon (September 22) after the diver failed to surface after going diving in waters east of St Anthony Head, near Falmouth.

The emergency services searched well into the evening but couldn’t find anything and eventually called off the search at 9.30pm. Local boats also helped in the search.

Many people reported seeing the rescue taking place.

Sue Mason posted the search pattern of the Falmouth Lifeboat which she said was still out there at 8.45pm.

“Major search been ongoing all afternoon by both Falmouth Lifeboats and Coastguard helicopter -off St Anthony Head near Falmouth - later joined by the Lizard Lifeboat.

"Searching for a Diver that failed to re-surface this morning.”

The pattern on the Lifeboats' searchThe pattern on the Lifeboats' search (Image: Facebook)

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard told the Packet: “A search for a man reported missing diving in waters east of St Anthony Head, near Falmouth, at about 12.10pm on 22 September was stood down at about 9.30pm, pending any new information.

"HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters were sent from Newquay, St Athan and Lee-on-Solent, as well as RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Lizard. Nearby vessels also supported the search."

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The police were contacted by Falmouth Coastguard in relation to a diver who had not resurfaced in waters around St Anthony Head near Falmouth on Sunday 22 September.

"Officers assisted in the search for the missing person.

"A Coastguard search was carried out supported by the RNLI, but it has since been called off.

"The diver’s next-of-kin has been made aware."