Police have issued a description of a man believed to have entered the water during severe weather in North Ayrshire, with emergency services launching an extensive search operation along the Largs coastline. According to BBC News, the incident occurred at approximately 00:01 when large waves struck the coast around Burnlea Road. Police Scotland received the report at about 00:12 on Tuesday, 27 October, and the man remained missing after the initial search was suspended.
The incident occurred during Storm Boelo, which brought severe weather to western Scotland over the weekend. The storm left more than 100,000 homes without power, while flooding affected properties in Largs and Saltcoats and damaged some transport routes. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had previously warned that weather conditions posed a significant safety risk in coastal areas and advised people to exercise extreme caution if near the shoreline, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
What resources were deployed to the search?
Multiple emergency services responded to the incident with substantial resources. The coastguard sent a helicopter and a fixed-wing aeroplane to the scene, alongside rescue teams from Largs and Ardrossan. RNLI lifeboats from both Largs and Troon were also dispatched to conduct search operations. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended the location, and an extensive search was conducted before being suspended at approximately 09:00 pending any new information.
Who is the missing man?
The man is described as a white male in his 20s, tall with a slim build and no facial hair. He was dressed entirely in black clothing, including a black jacket with the hood raised at the time he entered the water.
Who are the potential witnesses?
Police are seeking to trace two men who were observed in the area around the time the incident occurred, as they may have witnessed the man entering the water or possess information that could assist the investigation. The first potential witness is described as a white male with ginger hair and a beard, wearing a black puffa jacket, blue trousers, and white trainers. The second is described as a white male wearing a black jacket, blue trousers, dark-coloured trainers with a light-coloured heel, and a dark-coloured Trapper hat.
What is the police appeal?
Inspector Martin Fraser of Police Scotland stated:
Extensive inquiries are ongoing to trace the man seen in the water and establish his identity. We are appealing for anyone with information which could assist our investigation, including private CCTV or dashcam footage, to please come forward. We would particularly urge the two men who were in the area around midnight to please get in touch, as they may have seen the unidentified man or have information that could help us.Members of the public with information are asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 0026 of 27 October.
What happens next?
Police Scotland indicated that the search would resume on Tuesday morning, although HM Coastguard had suspended its search at about 09:00. A yellow wind warning was forecast to remain in force across large parts of Scotland until 21:00 on Tuesday, 27 October, covering most of the country as well as parts of northern England and Northern Ireland.
Key Facts
- A man in his 20s is believed to have been swept into the sea near Largs during Storm Boelo at approximately 00:01 on 27 October
- An extensive search involving a coastguard helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and multiple RNLI and rescue teams found no trace of the man before being suspended at 09:00
- Police are appealing for two potential witnesses seen in the area around midnight to come forward with any information
- Storm Boelo caused significant disruption across western Scotland, affecting power supplies and causing flooding in coastal communities
- Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0026 of 27 October
