Kayak found in search for missing man

Dominic Jackson – search will enter a third day this morning.

POLICE, COASTGUARD AND LIFEBOAT crews from all along the Moray Firth will resume their search at first light this morning for missing Kayaker Dominic Jackson.

Mr Jackson’s family are pinning their hopes that the 35-year-old, who was last seen on Saturday in Portsoy ahead of a planned Sea Kayaking trip, may have been forced ashore and be trapped below cliffs.

However, police revealed early this morning that they may have found Dominic’s Kayak near Wick, issuing a statement that said: “In connection with the ongoing search for missing kayaker Dominic Jackson, Police Scotland can confirm that a kayak believed to be that used by Mr Jackson, has been recovered from the sea in the Wick area.

“Enquiries are ongoing to confirm ownership of the recovered kayak and efforts to trace Mr Jackson are continuing.”

It emerged yesterday that Mr Jackson was not an experienced kayaker – and while described as an exceptionally fit young man who was aware of how to look after himself, it was reported to only have been his third venture to sea on a kayak.

In charge of the search operation, which has involved coastguard and lifeboat crews from Burghead and Buckie, is Inspector Ewan Strachan who last night expressed his thanks to the many local people who had joined the search all along the coastline.

As strong winds were expected along the coastline last night and darkness fell the search was called off with the intention of resuming the search this morning.

Several images were released yesterday of Mr Jackson who is believed to have set out on from Portsoy on Saturday. Anyone who has information on Mr Jackson is being asked to contact Police on 101.

Mr Jackson’s Kayak – police report it was found near Wick.