Two young women die while diving in Loch Fyne

Two young women have died after going diving in a Scottish loch on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to reports of two female divers in trouble in Loch Fyne at around 3.21pm.

Coastguard teams from Crinan, Dunoon, Kames and Inveraray and RNLI crew from Tignabruich, Campbeltown and Largs were sent to the area.

A Coastguard helicopter also joined the search.

Paramedics pronounced a 26-year-old woman dead at the scene. Following further searches, the body of a 24-year-old woman was found and recovered.

The deaths are being treated as unexplained. A post-mortem is due to be carried out, police said.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.30pm on Sunday, July 26, 2026, we were called Loch Fyne at St Catherines, Cairndow, following a report of concern for two female divers.

“Emergency services attended and a 26-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Further searches were carried out in the water and the body of a 24-year-old woman was recovered.

“The deaths are being treated as unexplained and a post mortem examination will take place in due course.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted by our emergency service partners at 4.13pm on Sunday, July 26, to Loch Fyne at St Catherines, Cairndow, following a report of concern for two female divers.

“Operations Control mobilised 2 pumps and water rescue resources to assist a multi-agency search and rescue.

“A female was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Further searches were carried out in the water, and the body of a 24-year-old woman was recovered.

“Our thoughts are very much with their family, friends, and the wider community at this difficult time.

“Fire crews left the scene around 7.28pm”.