Second shellfish diver who died off Barra named

The second of two shellfish divers who died after getting into difficulty in waters in the Outer Hebrides has been named.

Iain Macdougall (left) and Ryan McGuckin died after getting into difficulty in waters in the Outer Hebrides. Picture: Police Scotland/PA Wire

Police confirmed Ryan McGuckin, who was from Falkirk and lived in London, as the second victim.

Iain MacDougall, from Castlebay, who is thought to have had diving experience, was named locally on Sunday.

A ferry skipper raised the alarm when he noticed the small boat belonging to Mr Macdougall and Mr McGuckin was unmanned off Castlebay, Barra, at around 11.20am on Saturday.

A coastguard helicopter and rescue teams were sent to the scene and the divers were found by Barra lifeboat crew at around 1pm. The 39-year-olds both died at the scene.

The deaths came just weeks after the Barra community was hit by the killing of Eilidh MacLeod, 14, in the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Inspector Jane Nicolson, of Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of both Mr Macdougall and Mr McGuckin at this very difficult time, as well as with the tight-knit community on Barra which has been deeply affected by this tragedy.

“I would once again like to take the opportunity to thank members of the public who assisted the emergency services on Saturday.

“Our inquiries are continuing but there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal as is standard in these cases.”