Search for teenager ‘swept out to sea’ from River Deveron

A SEARCH is under way for a 16-year-old boy who was apparently swept out to sea early today at Banff Bay, Aberdeenshire.

Coastguard rescue teams and lifeboat crews are involved in the hunt.

An RAF helicopter was also taking part but has now been stood down.

Officers admitted there are now serious concerns for his safety after about 10 hours had passed since he went missing.

Police said: “At around 2.30am today 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.

“The search is currently ongoing but the missing 16-year-old has not been found. Clearly there are now serious concerns for his safety.”

The force said it is carrying out inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the three people being in the water.

Anyone who has any information is being urged to contact police.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the ambulance service received a call at about 2.30am, saying that somebody was in the water and in need of help.

The MCA has reminded members of the public to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if they get into difficulty on or along the coast.

Grampian Police appealed for information. A statement said: “The male was last seen near the Banff Bridge around 2.30am on Saturday. He is described as being slim build, around 5ft 2ins, with short fair hair and blue eyes.”