Wick coast search linked to appeal over missing man
Police have confirmed that an extensive search of the coast around Wick is linked to the appeal for information about a missing local man.
George Newlands (49) was last seen around 3.10am on Monday in the Wick area.
Rescue teams were mobilised after HM Coastguard received “a report of concern” at about 9.25am on Monday.
An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was sent from Inverness as well as coastguard rescue teams from Wick, Scrabster and Duncansby and the RNLI Wick lifeboat.
The helicopter could be seen hovering over Wick Bay for much of the day, as well as repeatedly searching south of the town as far as Sarclet and north as far as the Noss area.
Lifeboat crew members were seen carrying out a search of the outer harbour in their XP dinghy.
The Longhope RNLI lifeboat and another HM Coastguard helicopter, from Stornoway, were later sent to assist.
Mr Newlands is described as around 5ft 8in tall, with short black/grey hair. Police said he was last seen wearing a black jacket, black three-quarter length shorts and dark trainers.
Sergeant Stephen Todd said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for George's welfare and extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace him.
“I would appeal to anyone who has seen him, or who has any information on his whereabouts, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 0500 of November 11, 2024.
