Guide killed trying to take photo of puffin
A TOUR guide plunged more than 160ft to his death as he tried to photograph a puffin for a group of holidaymakers.
Jamie Shannon, 23, fell from the Yesnaby Cliffs on Orkney as 14 tourists he was leading looked on in horror on June 26 last year.
Witnesses said Mr Shannon, from Dunblane, Perthshire, hit the rocks at the bottom. His body was then swept out to sea by the waves.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) at Kirkwall Sheriff Court this week was told by an Australian tourist who spotted a puffin on a rock stack that the group were keen to get a photo.
The tourist, who gave an anonymous statement, said: ‘He went out a bit further than the rest of us to take a photo. I heard a noise and turned to see what happened. Jamie was falling down feet first on his front. He was hitting the rocks. A few folk tried to get down to him – but it was impossible.’
Another Australian tourist said: ‘Jamie told us to be careful and stay away from the edge. He pointed out a puffin. I was taking a photo. Jamie put his bag down and walked along the cliff edge to my left. I saw Jamie lose his balance and fall forward.’
Procurator fiscal depute Geoff Main told the FAI the accident took place around 2pm. Mr Shannon’s body was later recovered by a lifeboat crew member who pulled him aboard by his belt.
A paramedic pronounced him dead at 3.38pm.
Mr Main said he may have died immediately as a result of injuries sustained during the fall.
He said Mr Shannon was a man with a ‘passion’ for the outdoors, adding: ‘He was well thought of by all those who came into contact with him, both in a personal and professional capacity.’
Solicitor Mark Donaldson – representing Mr Shannon’s employer, Edinburgh-based Haggis Tours – said: ‘He was a happy, valued and extremely popular member of staff, who is fondly remembered and greatly missed.’
Mr Donaldson said Mr Shannon had conducted approximately 100 tours for the company.
Referring to the witness statements, he continued: ‘He kept his party together at all times. He was aware of the hazards and gave clear warning to the group not to go too close to the cliff’s edge. It would appear Mr Shannon may have become disorientated while taking a photograph, with tragic consequences.’
Sheriff Andrew Berry told members of Mr Shannon’s family, who were present: ‘It seems to me it is very clear there is no fault to be found or blame to be apportioned. What occurred was a terrible tragedy.
‘I hope the evidence may be of some small comfort, in hearing that Jamie was held in the highest regard by everyone who knew him.’
Sheriff Berry will issue a written determination at a later date.