Sole occupant of creel boat still missing after vessel washes ashore in Aberdeenshire
Multi-agency search continues after a creel boat washed ashore at Inverbervie; coastguard withdraws from the operation after about a day as police pursue leads
A creel boat with a sole occupant washed ashore at Inverbervie Beach in Aberdeenshire on Saturday morning, triggering a multi-agency search as authorities work to locate the missing boater. The vessel ran aground at about 11:15 a.m., according to police.
Emergency services, including a coastguard helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and rescue teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath and Aberdeen, were involved in the initial response, with lifeboats from Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven also assisting. The operation covered the immediate coast and nearby bays, with searches extending to areas such as Lunan Bay and surrounding coastlines as officers coordinated efforts to locate the occupant.
HM Coastguard confirmed that it was no longer involved in the operation almost 24 hours after the grounding.
Police Scotland said inquiries to trace the sole occupant continued. A force spokesperson said: "A multi-agency search was carried out to trace the sole occupant of the boat, including searches of the Lunan Bay and coastal and surrounding areas. Officers are continuing to carry out inquiries and the missing person remains outstanding."
Officials added that the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review leads from along the coast and coordinate with local responders in the Aberdeenshire area.