Woman in peril as search teams race to save Shona Campbell from muddy estuary
- Shona Campbell, a 74-year-old woman, is missing after getting stuck in mud on the Solway estuary.
- A search operation is underway, involving Police Scotland and HM Coastguard as multiple emergency services have been mobilized.
- Authorities urge the public to provide any information that could aid in the search for Shona Campbell.
An urgent search operation has been initiated for a 74-year-old woman named Shona Campbell, who has gone missing while walking on the Solway estuary in Scotland. The alarm was raised around 17:00 on Monday after Ms. Campbell, a guest at the Moss-Side caravan park in Cummertrees, contacted authorities to report that she was stuck in mud. This region is well-known for its hazardous conditions, which are exacerbated by some of the fastest tidal movements in Europe, and its mudflats are vulnerable to quicksand, further complicating rescue efforts. Authorities including Police Scotland and the HM Coastguard mobilized extensive search operations shortly after receiving a distress call. Shona had been wearing jeans, a brown wax jacket, and wellington boots when she set out for her walk. Police stated that various emergency services have collaborated to conduct these extensive searches, demonstrating a collective effort to locate Ms. Campbell as quickly as possible. The search party includes local officers and specialist resources, highlighting the importance placed on the operation given the dangerous conditions prevailing in the area. Insp Amy Ritchie has publicly expressed commitment to finding Shona and has stated that her family is receiving necessary support during this challenging time. An HM Coastguard spokesman confirmed that a search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick responded to the scene shortly after receiving the report about Ms. Campbell's predicament. Additionally, Coastguard Rescue Teams have been dispatched from several locations including Annan, Burgh-by-Sands, and Portling, alongside the Nith Inshore Rescue lifeboat, adding significant resources to the search effort. As the search continues, police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in locating Shona Campbell. The situation remains precarious as temperatures in the area have dropped below freezing overnight. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the severe risks associated with the mudflats surrounding the Solway estuary, which may further complicate and hinder the ongoing search and rescue operations. Given these circumstances, the community is rallying to support the search effort, hoping for a positive outcome.