Latest news with #Marwan
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Warning issued as 33 die of drowning in waters across Scotland in past year
The number of people who accidentally drowned hit peak numbers in May last year. The National Water Safety Forum is warning the public of the dangers of cold water shock. A total of 33 people lost their lives in accidental drownings in Scotland last year which has prompted a fresh safety warning about the dangers of water during the summer. The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has issued urgent advice following a spike in fatalities, particularly seen in May last year, where 28 people died across the UK - the highest monthly toll of the year. It comes after the recent tragedy of 21-year-old student Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, who drowned at the Devil's Pulpit in Finnich Glen, near Croftamie, Stirlingshire, on May 21. Marwan, a data science student at the University of Strathclyde, was visiting the scenic gorge with friends when he encountered difficulties crossing a deeper section of the current. Despite a brave rescue attempt by one of his companions, Marwan could not be saved. His devastated family described him as 'kind, intelligent, and full of life, love, and curiosity.' They said: 'We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice. "Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into. This loss has shattered our family. I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.' The Devil's Pulpit, made famous by its appearance in TV series Outlander, has become a popular but hazardous destination. The steep, slippery terrain and cold water have led to multiple rescue operations in recent years. The figures released by NWSF show that 61% of accidental drownings happen in inland waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries. Professor Mike Tipton, NWSF chairman and expert at the University of Portsmouth's Extreme Environments Laboratory, warned: 'Each one of these fatalities represents a tragedy and the loss of many years of life. All those involved have my deepest condolences. 'The National Water Safety Forum will continue to work tirelessly to reduce drownings in the UK through data-driven education, interventions, communication, and campaigns.' Prof Tipton highlighted the dangers of cold water shock, even during warmer months, noting that many inland waters remain below 16°C. Sudden immersion can cause involuntary gasping, rapid breathing, and loss of swimming ability, potentially leading to drowning. Males make up 84% of deaths and of the 193 confirmed fatalities in the UK, 136 were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Of these, 28 occurred in May, 25 in August and 21 in July. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A University of Portsmouth spokeswoman said: "May 2024 was the month with the most accidental water-related fatalities, with 28 lives tragically lost. "Sadly, we know that when air temperatures increase, we often see a rise in accidental drownings. "With more hot weather promised across the UK in the coming weeks, increasing numbers of people will be spending time on or near the water. "The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is reminding everyone to enjoy the water safely by being aware of the risks, and by knowing how to help themselves and others in an emergency."
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Family's tribute to son after Devil's Pulpit accident
Emergency services recovered Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi's body from the Devil's Pulpit spot at around 1:30pm on Wednesday, May 21. Marwan, 21, who was studying data science and was set to graduate in 2027, had travelled to the gorge with a group of friends. READ MORE: Man dies after being recovered from water at Devil's Pulpit According to his family, he encountered difficulty crossing a deeper section of water and drowned before help could arrive. One of his friends reportedly jumped in to try and save him, but was unsuccessful—barely escaping with his own life. In a deeply emotional tribute, Marwan's family described him as 'cheerful and intelligent', someone who had left an 'unforgettable impact' on their lives. They shared with the Glasgow Times: 'We don't know how long it will take to learn how to live with this loss." Tragically, Marwan was just days away from flying home to visit his family. (Image: Supplied) His father, Suliman Ali Albalushi, shared that the day before the incident, Marwan had called to confirm his travel plans. He said: "He called to tell me about his flight home, scheduled for May 26, 2025. "He told his mother too, asking her to prepare his bed and excitedly spoke with her about Eid plans. "Little did he know, may God have mercy on him, that the upcoming Eid would be without him, and that we would wait for his return in vain." A gifted student, Marwan had shown exceptional promise in mathematics and science. His family proudly recalled his academic achievements, including ranking first in his class and seventh in the entire governorate during his final school year. They said: 'He excelled academically in mathematics and science, something rare in our family." In the wake of the tragedy, the family is also raising serious concerns about safety at the Devil's Pulpit, where they say a lack of barriers, signage, and clear warnings gave visitors a 'false sense of safety.' They believe the water level in the gorge rose suddenly, trapping four other students during the incident. While they screamed for help, two other group members, along with passersby, rushed to alert emergency services. According to the family, it took emergency responders approximately an hour to arrive, during which time the trapped students were left "clinging to life" in the fast-moving current. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Four treated by ambulance crews at beauty spot near Glasgow A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire, most commonly known as Devil's Pulpit. "Emergency services, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a mountain rescue team, and the ambulance service attended, and the body of a man was recovered from the water at the Devil's Pulpit. "He was pronounced dead at the scene. "There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal." Marwan's father said his son's death was 'an irreplaceable tragedy to all who knew him, and a pain beyond words for those who witnessed it."
The National
3 days ago
- General
- The National
Family pay tribute to 'unforgettable' son after Devil's Pulpit death
Emergency services recovered Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi's body from the Devil's Pulpit at around 1:30pm on Wednesday, May 21. Marwan, 21, who was studying data science and was set to graduate in 2027, had travelled to the gorge with a group of friends. According to his family, he encountered difficulty crossing a deeper section of water and drowned before help could arrive. One of his friends reportedly jumped in to try and save him, but was unsuccessful, barely escaping with his own life. In an emotional tribute, Marwan's family described him as 'cheerful and intelligent' and someone who had left an 'unforgettable impact' on their lives. They said: 'We don't know how long it will take to learn how to live with this loss." Tragically, Marwan was just days away from flying home to visit his family. (Image: Supplied) His father, Suliman Ali Albalushi, said that the day before the incident, Marwan had called to confirm his travel plans. He said: "He called to tell me about his flight home, scheduled for May 26, 2025. "He told his mother too, asking her to prepare his bed and excitedly spoke with her about Eid plans. "Little did he know, may God have mercy on him, that the upcoming Eid would be without him, and that we would wait for his return in vain." Marwan's father said his son's death was 'an irreplaceable tragedy to all who knew him, and a pain beyond words for those who witnessed it". His family proudly recalled Marwan's academic achievements, including ranking first in his class and seventh in the entire governorate during his final school year. They said: 'He excelled academically in mathematics and science, something rare in our family." In the wake of the tragedy, the family is also raising serious concerns about safety at the Devil's Pulpit, where they say a lack of barriers, signage, and clear warnings gave visitors a 'false sense of safety". They believe the water level in the gorge rose suddenly, trapping four other students during the incident. While they screamed for help, two other group members, along with passers-by, rushed to alert emergency services. According to the family, it took emergency responders approximately an hour to arrive, during which time the trapped students were left "clinging to life" in the fast-moving current. (Image: Supplied) A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire, most commonly known as Devil's Pulpit. "Emergency services, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a mountain rescue team, and the ambulance service attended, and the body of a man was recovered from the water at the Devil's Pulpit. "He was pronounced dead at the scene. "There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Devil's Pulpit warning after student's body pulled from water in three recent incidents
Lomond Mountain Rescue Team were called again to the Devil's Pulpit on Tuesday, just six days after Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi drowned at the beauty spot. A warning has been issued to the public visiting a Scots beauty spot after mountain rescue teams were called to three incidents there in recent weeks, with the body of a student pulled from the water on one occasion. Lomond Mountain Rescue Team returned to the Devil's Pulpit on Tuesday, May 28, just six days after Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi drowned at the beauty spot. The latest medical emergency was reported at Finnich Glen, near the bottom on Conic Hill in Stirlingshire. The crew worked with a ranger from the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and family members to transport the latest casualty on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. No more information is available on their condition at this stage. On Wednesday morning a spokesperson for Lomond Mountain Rescue Team issued a warning over the deep pools with hazards not 'visible from the surface' at the Devil's Pulpit. They said: "Whilst we may have been quieter on social media, three of the recent callouts have been at Finnich Glen (The Devils Pulpit). "We understand the wish to visit this beautiful and interesting geological feature but would highlight that in addition to the parking/road traffic issues ~ there is no easy access to the gorge itself. "The main gully steps has suffered a further collapse and would not be recommended. In addition, the gorge edge has a number of areas that are loose and actually overhang the gorge. Despite the recent dry spell leading to an apparently low water level, there are a number of deep (2m to 3m depth) pools that can contain entrapments hazards that are not visible from the surface. "If visiting, please consider the potential consequences of a slip, wear appropriate footwear and above all stay safe." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It comes after the body of Strathclyde University student Marwan was tragically recovered on Wednesday, May 21. The 21-year-old student from Oman was enjoying a day out with friends when disaster struck. It is understood Marwan attempted to cross a deeper section of the current and drowned. One friend tried to desperately save Marwan by jumping into the water to save him. Sadly despite their best efforts Marwan was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken family pays tribute to ‘kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot
The data science student had been on a trip with pals when tragedy struck 'DEEPLY SADDENED' Heartbroken family pays tribute to 'kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE heartbroken family of a student who tragically drowned at a Scottish beauty spot has paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" young man. The 21-year-old, named locally as Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, lost his life after encountering difficulties in the water at Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil's Pulpit, near Croftamie, Stirling. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Tragedy struck at the devil's pulpit - also known as Finnich Glen Credit: Alamy 5 Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi lost her life when he ran into difficulties in the water Credit: Facebook Marwan had been visiting the popular site with friends during what his family described as a 'joyful and memorable' outing. While attempting to cross a deeper section of the current, he tragically drowned. His family revealed that some of his friends were also trapped in the gorge but 'narrowly survived' the ordeal. Emergency services, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and mountain rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, following a report of concern for a person. One of Marwan's friends bravely jumped into the water in an attempt to save him but was sadly unsuccessful. A major recovery operation was launched, with water rescue units, police, and fire crews working together at the rural attraction. Eventually, a man's body was recovered from the water. Despite the efforts of medics, Marwan, who studied data science at Strathclyde University, could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. His shattered parents told STV News: 'Our son was full of life, love, and curiosity. "He went on this trip with his friends in high spirits, excited to explore nature. Tragic Loss: Scots Tourist Lewis Jack Found Dead in Australia 'We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice. 'Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into. 'This loss has shattered our family. "I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.' Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics coordinator, said the university community was 'deeply saddened' by the death. The teaching fellow said: 'As a student on the BSc Data Analytics programme, which combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science, Marwan demonstrated strong academic ability, particularly in mathematics and coding, and engaged thoughtfully with his studies. 5 His shattered family have paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" lad Credit: Facebook 5 Marwan was studying data science at Strathclyde University Credit: Facebook The A809 between Croftamie and Finnich Toll and the B834 at the junction to the A81 was closed in both for emergency services access. The routes have since reopened. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, 2025 we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire. "Emergency services, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a mountain rescue team, attended and the body of a man was recovered from the water at Devil's Pulpit. He was pronounced dead at the scene. "There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
