Fears for 20-year-old British diver presumed dead as family pay tribute after she went missing

The family of 20-year-old British diver, Emily Sherwin, have paid tribute to their 'outgoing, loving and loyal' daughter, after she vanished off the coast of Dorset.

Aspiring marine conservationist Emily had gone missing after embarking on a dive near Old Harry Rocks, Dorset on Tuesday (23 July), with police and coastguard unable to locate her since.

HM Coastguard, the RNLI and Dorset Police carried out extensive searches of the area over the following few days, alongside help from a police dive team sent from Avon and Somerset Police.

However, after several days of searching, it was announced last night (25 July) that forces had not been able to locate Emily and she was now presumed dead.

Following the heartbreaking update, Emily's family have paid tribute to her in a statement, saying they will 'miss her forever'.

20-year-old Emily was from Poole in Dorset. (PA/ Family Handout)

“We are heartbroken at the loss of Emily, but eternally grateful for the 20 wonderful years we had with her, and finding comfort in the fact that she was doing something she loved," the statement read.

"Emily was unique: high spirited, outgoing, loving and loyal. She lit up every room. Emily adored the sea and loved sailing and diving. She was looking forward to an exciting career in marine conservation."

The family went on to thank everyone involved in searching for her, adding: "We would like to thank all involved in the attempts to find Emily: the RNLI and coastguard teams, the police divers and all at Parkstone Yacht Club who took over 30 boats to join the search.

“The search operation was a testimony to the impact she had upon everyone she met and the love we all share for her.

"We will miss her forever."

Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset, Emily's last known location. (oop Images/Mark Bauer/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Detective chief inspector Rachel Vallins has also shared a statement on behalf of Dorset Police, saying that officers would continue to support the Sherwin family throughout this 'difficult time'.

"Officers are continuing to keep the family fully updated and our thoughts are with all of Emily’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time," she said.

"With our partner agencies we have carried out extensive searches in the area where Emily had dived over recent days, but unfortunately we have been unable to locate her at this time."

The statement continued: "Following liaison with maritime experts and a thorough examination of the conditions and circumstances surrounding this incident, we have now taken the decision to stand down our underwater searches."