Wave sweeps tourist to her death as she photographs isle sunrise
AN amateur photographer was swept to her death by a giant wave yesterday at a Hebridean beauty spot.
The 50-year-old woman was believed to have been taking photos of the sunrise with other enthusiasts at Nisabost beach on the Isle of Harris.
With huge swells whipped up by winds gusting up to 50mph, it is thought that she slipped and fell from rocks before the wave carried her out to sea.
The beach is popular with tourists and is known as a prime location for capturing dramatic pictures of the island.
The woman – a visitor to the area – died in hospital after a huge rescue operation involving a helicopter, a lifeboat, Coastguard teams and the police.
The alarm was raised by a member of the public who reported a woman in trouble in the sea.
The victim was airlifted by helicopter to Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, where she was pronounced dead.
Western Isles councillor John Mitchel, who represents Harris, said it was believed that the woman was a member of a photography group from England.
‘It is a terrible tragedy,’ he said. ‘It appears she was part of a group who went to capture one of our many beautiful beaches early in the morning.
‘The rocks are very slippery and where she fell is near a standing stone called Clach Mhic Leòid (MacLeod’s Stone) and maybe she was trying to get this in the shot.
‘Harris has become a mecca, not just for ordinary tourists but also photographers. This tragedy has really shocked the community.’
Another source said: ‘They were from down south on a photography trip and it has just ended in tragedy. We really feel for them.’
Inspector Jane Nicolson said: ‘Our thoughts first and foremost are with the woman’s family and friends.
‘We are carrying out inquiries to establish the full circumstances which have led to her death and this work is at an early stage.
‘The death is currently unexplained, though initial inquiries suggest there are no suspicious circumstances.’
A Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team statement said: ‘We wish to pass on our condolences to their family and friends at this very sad time.’
The beach at Nisabost is described as being a ‘wild and beautiful beach backed by great dunes’.
The Clach Mhic Leòid, a prehistoric standing stone, sits on a headland behind the beach and is often photographed by visitors.
From there, on a clear day, the historic archipelago of St Kilda can be seen out to the west.
‘The rocks are very slippery’