A diver has been found safe and clinging to rocks after a search last night.

He was cold but otherwise well when he was found about 8pm.

ORIGINAL STORY…

A search is underway in north east Tasmania for a diver who went missing earlier this afternoon.

A 32 year old man, from the Launceston area, went diving off the north west side of Waterhouse Island about 1:10pm this afternoon. He had 45min of air in his tank.

When the man failed to resurface after 45min, the deckhand alerted police.

Police initiated a search with the assistance of AMSA.

There are 6 vessels, including 3 police vessels, and the Westpac Police Rescue helicopter involved in the search. Two additional helicopters are being called in to assist. The SES is searching the shoreline on quad bikes.

The search will continue into the night.

The man’s family is being kept closely informed about the search.