A diver who became separated from his buddy while five miles off the coast of the Lizard peninsula was rescued in a joint operation between three lifeboats and a navy warship.

The Lizard, Falmouth and Penlee RNLI all weather lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose were called out just after 2.30pm to search for the diver, who was reported to be missing in the sea to the south of Lizard Point.

Falmouth Coastguard had received a mayday call from a dive boat, and tasked the rescue services to the scene where they were joined by passing ship HMS Somerset and started a search of the area.

The boat's operators had become concerned after the diver’s buddy had resurfaced but had reported losing sight of his diving partner.

However he was wearing a personal locator beacon (PLB), and was located conscious and waving after a signal from the device was located, which directed the search units to his position.

HMS Somerset was the first to spot the diver, who was conscious and waving, and directed the dive boat to the his location.

He was picked up from the water by the dive boat and transferred into the search and rescue helicopter and flown to Derriford hospital, Plymouth, for routine medical checks.

Maritime operations controller Andrew Jenkins, of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “In this instance the divers PLB helped us identify his location. These devices are inexpensive and extremely easy to operate, the PLB helped us pin-point and recover the casualty in good time.

"We always recommend that divers are adequately qualified and experienced for the dives that they undertake, and keep a close eye on weather and sea conditions.

"This diver is to be commended for making the sensible decision to wear a PLB, which you could say saved his life today.”