News / Search underway for missing canoeist
A SEARCH is under way along the west coast of Shetland for a canoeist who has not been seen since 11am on Thursday, when he parked his car near the shop in the village of Bigton.
Both lifeboats, four coastguard rescue teams and the search and rescue helicopter are out searching area that stretches from the Whiteness and Weisdale in the north to Sumburgh Head in the south, and out to Foula, in the west.
Shetland Coastguard describes the missing man as blond and between 40 and 50 years of age. He is an experienced canoeist.
A police spokesman said that a member of the public, who saw the man set off in the canoe, had contacted them at 9.25am on Friday morning when it became apparent the man’s vehicle was still in the area and there was no sign of him.
He added that police was concerned for the wellbeing of the man.
Anyone in the area who may have seen the missing man is asked to contact Shetland Coastguard or Lerwick police on 01595 69 2110.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.