Description of missing man 'seen in water' at Largs during strong winds released

A search is ongoing for a missing man seen in water at Largs during strong winds, which sparked a major operation.

HM Coastguard was alerted at around 12.20am on Tuesday to reports of a person being swept into the sea by large waves.

A search helicopter, a plane, and RNLI lifeboats from Largs and Troon were sent to the scene. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were also assisting with the search.

An update on Tuesday morning confirmed that no one was found following “extensive searches” and the operation was suspended.

On Tuesday evening, police appealed for information on an unidentified man seen in the water near to Burnlea Road in the town.

He is described as a white male in his 20s, tall, of slim build with no facial hair, dressed in all black with a black jacket and hood up.

From enquiries carried out so far, police say two men, who are believed to be potential witnesses, were seen in the area around the time the man went into the water.

The first is described as a white male with ginger hair and 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.

It comes as a yellow warning for strong winds was in place, covering the majority of Scotland.

The weather warning for gusts of up to 70mph came into force at 3am on Tuesday morning and remained in place until 6pm.

Inspector Martin Fraser said: “Extensive enquiries 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.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0026 of Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

An updated statement from HM Coastguard earlier on Tuesday read: “At around 12:20am on October 27, HM Coastguard received a report of a person believed to have been swept into the sea by large waves.

“An HM Coastguard helicopter and aeroplane were sent as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Largs and Ardrossan, and RNLI lifeboats from Largs and Troon. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended.

“After an extensive search, no one was found and searches were suspended at about 9am, pending any new information.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have been contacted for comment.