The wife of a diver who disappeared off the Kent coast says her heart is breaking as the search enters a second day - but she hasn't given up hope.

Father-of-three Ben Moss, from Faversham, went missing between Walmer and St Margaret's-at-Cliffe yesterday morning, sparking a huge search and rescue operation.

Mr Moss was thought to have been diving with a partner to wreckage near the patrol memorial at St Margaret's-at-Cliffe when he vanished.

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Police have since confirmed they are investigating the circumstances of his disappearance.

Today, his wife Rosie issued a heartwrenching appeal for help on Facebook.

She said: "This is a desperate plea. My husband and my babies’ Daddy is missing. He was last seen scuba diving off the Dover coast at 11.30am yesterday.

"Please please look for him if you or anyone you know are out on the water or by the coast.

"The coastguard suspended the search at 9pm yesterday but will be back out shortly. Please no search parties, let them work.

"Hope is fading but while there’s some hope I will dare to believe he is coming home to us.
Please help me find him. Our hearts are breaking."

Coastguard and lifeboat crews and the search and rescue helicopter spent most of yesterday scouring the coast.

The search, which resumed at midday today, involves coastguard rescue teams from Margate and Deal, and RNLI lifeboats from Walmer.

Mayday relay broadcasts are being made every half an hour to alert shipping in the area to remain vigilant as they travel through the Dover Straits and inshore areas.

Peter Davies, duty commander for HM Coastguard, said: "Our teams searched well into the night yesterday and our plans are to recommence the search today.

"As time goes on, the likelihood of being able to find the missing diver diminishes but we remain hopeful.

"All those involved will continue to search using their professional search and rescue skills and expertise. Our thoughts remain with the family at this extremely distressing time.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Moss's disappearance, and are supporting the family.

A spokesman said: "Detectives are carrying out enquiries after a man was reported missing from a boat in Dover.

"The man in his 40s was diving in the English Channel on Monday 12 March when he failed to return to the boat.

"He was reported missing to Kent Police at 3.40pm and the Dover Coastguard is conducting extensive searches of the area.

"Officers are working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances of the incident and locate the missing diver."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 12-0844.