What Did Police Discover After Finding a Boat on the Shore in a Missing Person Case?

Police in Aberdeenshire are actively searching for the missing occupant of a creel boat that washed ashore near Inverbervie Beach. The vessel ran aground around 11:15 BST on Saturday, prompting a significant multi-agency response. As of now, the search continues, but HM Coastguard has confirmed it is no longer involved in the operation.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following the grounding of the creel boat, emergency services, including a coastguard helicopter and rescue teams from multiple locations, promptly launched a search operation. However, after nearly 24 hours of searching, HM Coastguard stepped back from the operation, leaving Police Scotland to continue the inquiries to locate the boat's sole occupant. The police have confirmed that their investigations are ongoing, and they are actively searching coastal areas including Lunan Bay.

Key takeaways

A creel boat washed ashore at Inverbervie Beach on Saturday morning.
Emergency services conducted a multi-agency search, including coastguard helicopters and lifeboats.
HM Coastguard is no longer involved in the search operation.
Police Scotland continues to pursue inquiries to find the missing occupant.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation unfolded as follows:

21 October 2023, 11:15 BST: The creel boat ran aground at Inverbervie Beach.
21 October 2023: Emergency services, including coastguard helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and rescue teams from various locations, initiated the search for the missing occupant.
22 October 2023: After nearly 24 hours of searching, HM Coastguard confirmed it was withdrawing from the operation.
22 October 2023: Police Scotland continues its inquiries to locate the missing person.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of now, Police Scotland is proceeding with its independent inquiries, but no new significant developments have been reported regarding the missing occupant. The search efforts have transitioned to focused police investigations rather than broad rescue operations.

What was already established

It was initially confirmed that the boat was the only vessel involved and that it washed ashore without any accompanying distress signals or reports of an emergency prior to the incident. The identity of the missing occupant remains undisclosed.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the incident may not have direct implications for everyday consumers, it highlights the importance of maritime safety and the potential dangers associated with boating activities, especially in coastal areas. Residents nearby may experience heightened emergency response activity.

Businesses and jobs

The ongoing investigation may impact local businesses, particularly those associated with marine activities or tourism. The presence of emergency services could lead to a temporary dip in local foot traffic as resources are diverted to the search and rescue efforts.

Policy and regulation

This incident may prompt discussions around maritime safety regulations, especially concerning the operation of small vessels such as creel boats. The Marine and Coastguard Agency may review protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of occupants reported missing following the incident.
3: The number of rescue teams involved from Montrose, Stonehaven, and Arbroath.
24: The number of hours the search operation lasted before HM Coastguard withdrew.
11:15 BST: The time the boat ran aground on 21 October.

Definitions and jargon buster

Creel boat: A type of fishing vessel used for trapping crustaceans, often equipped with traps known as creels.
HM Coastguard: Her Majesty's Coastguard, a government agency responsible for maritime safety and rescue operations.
Multi-agency search: A coordinated effort involving multiple emergency service agencies working together to locate a person or respond to an incident.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Police Scotland will likely continue its inquiries into the incident, which may include interviews with local fishermen or residents who may have information about the boat and its occupant. The search area may also be further examined based on tips received.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the investigation continues, results may lead to reviews of safety protocols in the area. If the occupant is not found, further community safety discussions may emerge, especially regarding boating regulations.

Signals to watch

Updates from Police Scotland regarding the status of the missing occupant.
Any announcements from HM Coastguard about safety measures or changes in regulations.
Community meetings addressing safety protocols for local maritime activities.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed through official channels regarding updates about the search.
If you have information related to the incident, consider reporting it to local authorities.
Follow safety guidelines if engaging in maritime activities.

Don’t

Do not speculate or spread unverified information regarding the missing occupant.
Avoid visiting the area of the incident unless necessary, as emergency services will be active.
Do not engage in unsafe boating practices that could contribute to similar incidents.

Checklist

Ensure you have the necessary safety equipment when boating.
Review local maritime regulations and guidelines.
Stay updated on local news regarding maritime safety.
Engage with community discussions on boating safety.
Report any suspicious or unsafe conditions observed while on the water.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for new information to arise. The identity of the missing person has not been disclosed, and there are uncertainties regarding their condition and any factors that may have led to the grounding of the boat. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the search may be impacted by environmental conditions such as weather and tides.

Bottom line

The search for the missing occupant of the creel boat continues, with Police Scotland leading the inquiries and focusing on coastal areas. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the potential dangers associated with boating activities in the UK.

FAQs

What happened to the creel boat in Aberdeenshire?

The creel boat ran aground at Inverbervie Beach, prompting a multi-agency search for its sole occupant, who remains missing.

What is Police Scotland doing about the incident?

Police Scotland is actively conducting inquiries to locate the missing occupant, following a withdrawal of HM Coastguard from the search operation.

Are there any updates on the search?

As of now, the search has transitioned to police inquiries, and no significant updates on the missing occupant have been reported.