Elderly woman feared lost in quicksand after walk in remote estuary
- Shona Campbell, 74, went missing in the Solway Estuary during a walk on December 9, 2024.
- Extensive search operations were initiated, involving local police, Coastguard, and firefighters.
- Sadly, a body was later discovered and the police are treating the incident as unexplained but not suspicious.
In the UK, specifically in Scotland, Shona Campbell, a 74-year-old woman, was reported missing after she went for a walk in the Solway Estuary near Moss-Side Caravan Park, Cummertrees, on the afternoon of December 9, 2024. The emergency services were alerted around 5:15 p.m. when it was reported that she might have been trapped in the mud by the mouth of the River Nith. Rescue teams, including the Coastguard, local police, and firefighters, were dispatched to the area in response to the 999 call made by a member of the public. Search efforts were intensified as Campbell's family was notified and officers provided them with support during this challenging time. Rescuers faced significant challenges due to the dangerous conditions of the mudflats in the area, which are known for treacherous quicksand and rapid tidal movements considered among the fastest in Europe. Ms. Campbell was reportedly an experienced walker who often covered several miles of coastline daily, but the conditions on that day posed significant risks. Despite extensive search operations involving helicopters and various rescue teams, there was no trace of Ms. Campbell during the early hours of the search. The police treated the case as unexplained, though they asserted that there was no suspicion of wrongdoing. As the search continued, the tides were a persistent concern, making rescue efforts increasingly difficult due to changing conditions. In the days leading up to this incident, local authorities had forewarned the public about the dangers of the Solway Estuary, emphasizing the importance of caution due to the unpredictable nature of the terrain. Tragically, after an exhaustive search, a body was discovered, although formal identification had yet to be completed at the time of reporting. It was believed that she lived on the Isle of Man, uncovered by reports highlighting her affinity for exploring the coastline. The community mourned the loss of a fellow member who embodied the spirit of adventure.