
Missing sailor, 72, feared dead after vanishing off coast of Scotland as police reveal worrying update
HM Coastguard has released additional details about the hunt
SEA TERROR Missing sailor, 72, feared dead after vanishing off coast of Scotland as police reveal worrying update
AN elderly sailor is feared to be dead after vanishing off the coast of Scotland.
Rescue teams from six locations descended on Wigtown Bay, Kirkcudbrightshire, on Tuesday night to look for the vessel.
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A rescue worker scours the beach in a desperate bid to find an elderly sailor
Credit: Supplied
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A multi-agency rescue operation involving coastguard and police was launched
Credit: Alamy
Seaman Alistair Turnbull, 72, failed to return to port on Tuesday evening.
A search and rescue helicopter was spotted circling the area after the alarm was raised just after 7pm.
However today police have revealed that his dinghy was recovered at a nearby bay.
HM Coastguard has stood down its search as cops continue to scour the area.
Superintendent Alison Wilson said: 'Extensive enquiries are continuing and teams have been deployed across various areas in efforts to trace Alistair.
'We would also ask members of the public to report any information which may assist our enquiries to come forward.
'Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101."
We previously reported that images from FlightRadar24 showed helicopters above a section of water between Cardoness and Garlieston.
Police were also spotted at the coastline in Garlieston as they assisted crews in the search.
It is currently unclear what happened to the yacht or why it failed to return to the port.
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A coastguard spokesperson added: "The operation by HM Coastguard in response to a sailing dinghy reported overdue off Wigtown Bay, Scotland, was stood down at about 3.35pm on 14 May after an extensive search, pending any new information.
"The alarm was raised at about 7pm on 13 May. Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent from Ballantrae, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, Portling, Stranraer and Port Patrick.
"An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was also sent, as well as the RNLI's inshore lifeboats from Kirkcudbright and Stranraer, and Port William Inshore Rescue Service.
"Police Scotland were in attendance."

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