A body has been discovered near Largs Beach in Scotland, coinciding with the search for an elder man who reportedly fell overboard from a ferry. The tragic find was made on 25 October, a week after 82-year-old Jim Wither went missing from the MV Caledonian Isles.
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Jim Wither, a resident of Johnstone in Renfrewshire, fell into the sea while the ferry journeyed from Ardrossan to the Isle of Arran on the evening of 18 October. His disappearance prompted an extensive search operation involving HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and local rescue teams, who mobilised helicopters and vessels to assist in the search.
While police have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased, they have informed Mr Wither’s family of the discovery. A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated, “Formal identification is yet to take place, however the family of 82-year-old Jim Wither, who was reported missing from Johnstone, have been informed.”
The incident occurred while the ferry was about 55 minutes into its journey. Reports indicate that the alarm was raised at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the day of the incident. Search efforts continued into the following days but were ultimately called off by late afternoon on 23 October, as authorities had exhausted all possible avenues for locating the missing man.
There has been an official statement from the authorities regarding the discovery of the body. Police Scotland have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, indicating that there are no immediate concerns regarding foul play. “A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course,” they noted.
Meanwhile, the ferry operator, CalMac (or Caledonian MacBrayne), has expressed its condolences and is currently assisting in the investigation. A representative from the company mentioned, “CalMac and the crew from MV Caledonian Isles are assisting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with an ongoing enquiry regarding a missing person.”
The area surrounding Largs Beach, where the body was found, serves as a holiday resort and is popular with both locals and tourists alike. The beach itself offers picturesque views and is a well-known destination for outdoor activities.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked concern and sympathy throughout the community. Local residents have expressed their sadness over the situation, reminiscing about Mr Wither and hoping for answers regarding the circumstances that led to his disappearance and subsequent discovery.
This tragic turn of events is a reminder of the dangers faced at sea and the importance of safety measures while travelling. The local police have urged the public to remain vigilant when out on the water, reinforcing the significance of following safety protocols on ferries and boats.