Hebrides  News                                       newsdesk@hebrides.biz

Search continues for missing yachtsman    24/9/10

The search for missing yachtsman, Neil MacKenzie, from Aberdeen area, continued today in the Lochaber area.

He was last seen last Tuesday and failed to return from a solo sailing trip on his yacht.

Extensive searches have been carried out which resulted in the discovery of Mr MacKenzie's yacht however he is still to be found. The search for the missing person is continuing.

Today Rescue 100 Stornoway Coastguard helicopter carried out coastline searches from Arisaig towards Glenuig,

Mallaig lifeboat carried out shoreline searches along the same stretch and two police dog handlers have also been out searching.

Yesterday, Stornoway Coastguards accurately assessed the experienced missing sailor was unlikely to sail northwards against the strong head winds and focused the seach on sheltered coastline south of Arisaig.

The green-hulled yacht with its distinctive tan-coloured sails was found anchored in sheltered waters off the Rhu peninsula.

Everything onboard was untouched. Food, gear and lifejackets were still inside the boat but there was no sign of Mr Mackenzie.

His empty overturned dingy - a safety boat normally towed behind the yacht - with outboard engine still attached, had been washed ashore at Glenuig Bay on Sunday, though the owner was unknown at the time.

The small, unmarked dingy appears to have been blown the three miles across the channel by the strong gales occurring in the area at the time.

The marine emergency services launched an extensive search of the west Highlands coast at daylight yesterday (thurs).

It was known Mr Mackenzie enjoyed exploring the numerous sea lochs and bays indented along the lengthy rugged coastline.

Coastguards were assisted by locals, fishermen, fish farms and leisure sailors responding to a radio alert and reporting sea lochs which they had checked were clear.

Two air crews participated with Stornoway Coastguard search helicopter sweeping up the west coast, Skye, Eigg and Rum. The helicopter refuelled at Stornoway at lunchtime and resumed the search with a fresh crew.