Rescuers call off sea search for youth

Published on 22/07/2012 00:00

CREWS searching for a teenager believed to have been swept out to sea have called off their search, with the 16-year-old feared drowned.

Reece Sweeney entered the River Deveron in Aberdeenshire with two friends around 2am yesterday morning. He was last seen being swept out to sea after getting into difficulty in the water.

His friends managed to make it back to the riverbank and raise the alarm.

Aberdeen Coastguard says the chances of survival so long after entering “extremely cold” water were decreasing.

Coastguard and lifeboat crews had been involved in the hunt at Banff Bay, along with an RAF helicopter, which has stood down.

Hayley Morden, watch officer at Aberdeen Coastguard, said: “The two friends are safe and well, but unfortunately we have not yet found the missing man, and the search is
ongoing.”

Grampian Police said: “At around 2.30am emergency services responded to a
report of three people in the water having difficulties near the mouth of the River Deveron at Banff Bridge.

“Two of these people managed to make their way to the shore, but the third person appeared to have been swept out to sea.

“A search and rescue operation was launched involving HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboat, an RAF search and rescue helicopter and Grampian Police. Clearly there are now serious concerns for his safety.”

Reece is described as being of slim build, around 5ft 2in, with short fair hair and blue eyes.