Heartbroken family of Scots sailor who went missing pay tribute to 'lovely and kind man'

Daily Record

22-05-2025

Garry Turnbull from failed to return from a sailing trip off the Solway coast, with his body found following a major search.
The heartbroken family of a sailor who went missing off the Solway coast have paid tribute to a 'lovely, personable and kind man'.
Garry Turnbull from Gatehouse failed to return from a sailing trip in Fleet Bay.
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That sparked a major search for the 72-year-old involving lifeboat crews, Coastguard teams and a helicopter, with his body later found near Whithorn.
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His family said: 'Sailing was his 'forever' hobby, especially dinghy sailing, and every summer you would see Garry launching off Mossyard beach in his wee dinghy Jolly.
'He was a lovely, personable and kind man. He was so generous with his expertise. Incredibly practical but also creative, always happy to share what he knew.
'He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he gave so much to.'
Mr Turnbull had gone sailing on the afternoon of May 13 and was reported missing that evening after he failed to return.
Coastguard teams from Ballantrae, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, Portling, Stranraer and Portpatrick, RNLI boats from Kirkcudbright and Stranraer and Port William Inshore Rescue Service were involved in the search of the Fleet Bay, Wigtown Bay and Garlieston Bay areas.
Also taking part in the search were a Coastguard helicopter, Galloway Mountain Rescue Team, drones and air support units.
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His dinghy was found on Wednesday, with Mr Turnbull's body being found near Whithorn on Thursday afternoon.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.'
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His family said: 'Garry grew up in Castle Douglas with his siblings Peter, Lindy, Michael and Ali Turnbull.
'He did his Highers at Kirkcudbright Academy and went on to college in Glasgow and qualified as a quantity surveyor, however he didn't use this qualification and instead turned his mind to the film industry while living in Edinburgh.
'This took him to London in the early 1970s where he and his German girlfriend Sibs set up house in Soho and then Brixton where they raised their family – Hannah, Felix and Jim.
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'He recently became a grandfather to Felix's newborn daughter Jeanie, who he loved very much.
'Garry went on to follow a career in film making as a cameraman, often travelling to Turkey to work frequently in Istanbul filming commercials, feature films and music videos.
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'He was always drawn to Galloway and came often with his (now) wife Sibs and children to holiday in and around Gatehouse and Mossyard.
'Garry and Sibs moved to Castle Douglas from London when they both retired, buying a plot of land in Gatehouse and spending a couple of years building their home, moving in about four years ago.
'Garry quickly became a valued member of Gatehouse life.
'He was a volunteer at Wheels of Fleet and a trustee at the Mill of Fleet and a well loved member of the community, greatly missed by all who knew him.'