Major search operation ongoing for woman stuck in mud at mouth of River Nith

A major search operation is ongoing for a woman who got stuck in mud near a river in Dumfries and Galloway.

Police said Shona Campbell had gone for a walk in the Solway Estuary, near to Moss-Side Caravan Park, in Cummertrees in Annan at around 5pm on Monday.

The 74-year-old was visiting the area and staying at the caravan park when she got into difficulty in the mud and has not returned.

She is believed to be wearing jeans, a brown wax jacket and wellington boots.

Extensive searches are being carried out using local and national specialist police resources with the Coastguard, Scottish Fire and Rescue service and the Scottish Ambulance Service involved.

HM Coastguard scrambled a search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick. Coastguard rescue teams were sent from Annan, Burgh-by-Sands and Portling, as well as the Nith Inshore Rescue lifeboat.

Inspector Amy Ritchie said: “Every effort is being made to find Shona and her family are being supported by officers at this difficult time.

“She was visiting the area and staying at West Moss-Side Caravan Park, Cummertrees.

“From our enquiries so far, we know Shona left the caravan park to go for a walk before getting into difficulty and has not returned.

“Local officers and search advisors are being assisted by specialist resources.

“I’m appealing to anyone who may have seen Shona, or who has any information on her whereabouts, to contact us.

“Please think back, did you see Shona or someone matching her description in the area on Monday? Any information, no matter how small, may be the key to helping us find her.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 2525 of Monday, December 9 2024.

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