Dinghy found in Wigtown Bay in search for missing sailor named by police

A dinghy has been found in a major ongoing search for a missing man who was sailing off the Solway Coast.

A multi-agency operation, including HM Coastguard and Police Scotland, is looking for missing 72-year-old Alistair Turnbull, who was last seen in the Fleet of Bay area on Tuesday afternoon.

The Coastguard responded to the incident involving an overdue dinghy off Wigtown Bay after 7pm on Tuesday, with the search resumed on Wednesday morning.

Coastguard teams from Ballantrae, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, Portling, Stranraer, and Portpatrick were sent to the scene, along with a search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick.

A multi-agency operation, including HM Coastguard and Police Scotland, is looking for a missing 72-year-old man who had set off in a dinghy from Wigtown to sail in the Fleet of Bay area, off the Solway Coast on Tuesday afternoon. ITV

However, police confirmed his vessel was traced in Wigtown Bay, but the search for Mr Turnbull remains ongoing.

Officers are using drones and air support units to continue searching the coastline of the Garlieston Bay and Wigtown Bay areas.

Superintendent Alison Wilson said: “Extensive enquiries are continuing and teams have been deployed across various areas in efforts to trace Alistair.

“We would also ask members of the public to report any information which may assist our enquiries to come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3501 of Tuesday, May 13, 2025.”

HM Coastguard said its operation was stood down on Wednesday afternoon “pending any new information”.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said on Wednesday: “The operation by HM Coastguard in response to a sailing dinghy reported overdue off Wigtown Bay, Scotland, was stood down at about 3.35pm on May 14 after an extensive search, pending any new information.

“The alarm was raised at about 7pm on May 13. Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent from Ballantrae, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, Portling, Stranraer and Port Patrick.

“An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was also sent, as well as the RNLI’s inshore lifeboats from Kirkcudbright and Stranraer, and Port William Inshore Rescue Service. Police Scotland were in attendance.

“HM Coastguard will continue to support Police Scotland when requested.”