SPECIALIST POLICE, COASTGUARD and lifeboat teams will resume their extensive search for missing kayaker Dominic Jackson on the Moray Firth for a third full day at first light tomorrow.
A dive unit and air support was called in to assist in the search today, with Specialist Police Search Advisors (POLSAs) co-ordinating further search efforts at sea and along the coastline, assisted by a dive unit and air support.
Mr Jackson, 35, was first reported missing on Sunday night after failing to return from a sea-kayaking trip in the Portsoy area.
Early on Tuesday what was believed to be Mr Jackson’s kayak was discovered near Lybster, while a piece of safety equipment believed to have been attached to a kayak was recovered in the water in the Portknockie area.
A paddle was also spotted in the water near to where the kayak was recovered off the coast overnight – an operation was launched to recover that item.
Leading the search is Inspector Strachan, who said: “Once again, I would appeal for anyone who may have seen Dominic over the weekend to get in touch if they think they have information which could assist.
“Our last confirmed sighting of him is in the Cullen area between 10.30am and 11am on Saturday and I would urge anyone who was there at the time and could help to contact Police on 101.”
The Inspector again thanked members of the public for their assistance in the search – but urged people to consider their own personal safety given the dangerous terrain and poor weather conditions.
He said: “More than 30 volunteers have turned out to assist with coastal searches today despite the weather, and I cannot stress enough how much this has been appreciated. It also comes as no surprise given the community spirit in the area and the strength of feeling of wanting Dominic to be found.
“Moving forward, our search must focus at sea and immediate areas of the coastline – an operation which must be tackled by a highly specialist search team given the dangers and challenges of these terrains. These officers are trained in certain techniques and will be designated to specific areas as we enter our third day of this operation and continue to battle severe weather conditions.
“Our main priority is the public’s safety and as such I would urge volunteers to consider other ways in which they can offer support to Dominic’s family and friends at this terrible time.
“By no means does this mean we are scaling back our search – in fact our search now becomes more intensive – however, we need the right people in the right places to give us the best possible chance.”