Search for driver who fled after car plunged into River Nairn

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Search for driver ongoing after car plunged into River Nairn
Missing man Martin Hannah believed to have been driving
Passenger taken to Raigmore Hospital after car entered water
Fire crews, ambulance and police all responded to scene after 9.30am
Public urged not to approach missing driver

Searches are ongoing for a driver after a person was taken to hospital after a car plunged into a river in the Highlands.

Emergency services were called to the River Nairn near Howford Bridge at around 9.30am on Friday morning.

Two ambulances were sent to the scene, and the passenger of the car was transported to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Two fire appliances and two boat resources were also sent to the scene, with two occupants of the car having already exited the vehicle.

Police confirmed the driver left the scene before officers arrived, and searches are ongoing.

It is believed Martin Hannah, reported missing from Nairn on Friday morning, was the driver of the car.

The 59-year-old was last seen on Cawdor Road and has been described as 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build with short red hair. He was wearing a black T-shirt and black jogger bottoms.

Members of the public have been advised not to approach him, but to contact police.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.15am on Friday, November 14, 2025, we received a report of a car entering the River Nairn off Cawdor Road.

“Emergency services attended, and one person, the passenger, was taken to hospital for assessment.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace the driver who left the scene before police arrived.”

Sergeant Steven Maclennan said: “Concerns are growing for Martin’s welfare, and it is vital that we find him to make sure he is safe and well.

“Extensive searches are ongoing, and we are asking Martin or anyone who has seen someone matching Martin’s description or knows where he might be to get in touch.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 9.25am on Friday, 14 November to reports of a car entering the water at Howford Bridge in Nairn.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised two appliances and two boat resources to the scene.

“Two occupants had already exited the vehicle, and one casualty was in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Crews left the scene around noon after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Coastguard crew was sent to the scene south of Nairn, along with a search and rescue helicopter.

A spokesperson from the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 9.32am to attend an incident near Howford Bridge, south of Nairn.

“We dispatched two ambulances to the scene, and we transported one patient to Raigmore Hospital.”

A spokesperson from the Coastguard added: “HM Coastguard is supporting the response to a report made at about 10.30am on November 14 of a car going into the River Nairn, south of Nairn.

“Nairn Coastguard Rescue Team has been sent, as well as an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.”