The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Fifth day searching for Hazel
For five days, rescue teams have been combing the shoreline of the River Don in search of a woman swept away during the flash floods.
Hazel Nairn, 71, was walking her westie dog Ruaridh in the Monymunk area on Friday afternoon when tragedy struck.
As search efforts continue, The Press and Journal have spoken with a coastguard expert to learn how such an operation takes shape – and the challenges teams face on the ground.
Iain MacKinnon is a member of Oban Coastguard Rescue Team.
With 35 years of experience in the field, he knows what searches of this scope entail.
He says knowing the person’s last known position is crucial in pinpointing the starting location of any search.
He said: “The most accurate information possible is what the rescue services need and that determines where they go, whom they send, and how many resources they need.
“The last known position is so crucial to us, including an accurate description of where it happened.”
He added: “In this instance, as it is fresh water, the fire service and the coastguard take part in the search but the police lead the operation.
“The search obviously commences when someone reports it. The crucial thing is the last known position, the last time the person was seen. That is always your starting point.”
He added: “The search will be focused on the last known position and maybe initially a mile downstream, carrying out shoreline searches. From there, you just keep going downstream. I’ve certainly searched for days for people in rivers to try to recover them.”
Police divers, firefighters and coastguard teams have descended on the Aberdeenshire village in recent days as the search for the missing 71-year-old grandmother continues.
Mr MacKinnon says at this stage, teams are reliant on drones and a helicopter to help aid efforts on the ground; as well as boats to maximise deep cover and the intensity of the search.
“They will be repeating everything they have done up to this point,” he added.
“Teams will still be entering the water. Coastguard and the fire service are equipped with dry suits and other water rescue kit.
“You search a part of the river, either in the river if you can – if it is safe to do so – or along the banks, but you keep going back. Conditions change and the river level changes.”