Urgent search in 'grim' conditions and quicksand for woman stuck in estuary mud

More than 40 emergency responders are searching among quicksand in “grim” conditions for a woman missing after becoming stuck in mud.

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 became stuck in the mud.

She called 999 and asked for police who then called in the Coastguard.

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.

We’ve done a comprehensive search of the area, east and west, with nothing found at the moment,” said Stewart Bryden, the Coastguard’s senior coastal operations officer.

Mr Bryden said there had been tides coming in and out since Ms Campbell went missing.

“Last night, it was freezing, we had frost this morning, the conditions out there could be grim,” he said.

Stewart Bryden, the Coastguard's senior coastal operations officer — Stewart Bryden, the Coastguard’s senior coastal operations officer STV News

“There’s a bit of quicksand out there, that’s the concern we have. We will be here until it’s dark tonight.”

Ms Campbell, from the Isle of Man, is said to be a keen walker – covering several miles of coastline each day.

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

National specialist police resources with the Coastguard, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and mountain rescue are taking part in extensive searches.

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.