Divers find 'no sign' of missing woman Hazel Nairn after battling 'exhausting' conditions during search

Divers have found “no sign” of a woman thought to have been swept into a river during severe flooding one year ago after searches resumed over the weekend.

Hazel Nairn was last seen out with her dog at the River Don near Monymusk in November 2022.

The body of her pet was later found near the river but extensive searches failed to locate the 71-year-old.

The river continues for 31 miles from Ms Nairn’s last known location and eventually meets the sea.

Last month, specialist underwater teams used sonar technology to check parts of the water.

Beneath the Surface, a group of divers based in Lancashire, carried out a search over November 18-19 in “difficult and exhausting conditions”.

In an update about the search, divers said they found “no sign” of Ms Nairn but added they will conduct more searches in the future.

“Again assisted by divers from Aberdeen Sub Aqua Club BSAC 67 we searched numerous areas in difficult and exhausting conditions,” Beneath the Surface said.

“With no sign of Hazel found to date the search continues and we will be returning at a future date to conduct further searches.”

A spokesperson for Beneath the Surface added: “River conditions were problematic on our search at weekend which made it difficult to search areas in a slow, methodical approach however we persevered and were able to search a number of our identified key areas.

“It’s going to be a slow process but we’ll continue to visually search areas of highest possibility until we feel confident they are clear and we remain hopeful that we will be able to find some answers and bring closure for Hazel’s family.

“We continue to ask the general public in the vicinity of the River Don from Monymusk to Aberdeen to stay vigilant and report any potential clothing linked which include a green khaki Toggi puffer jacket, pink hooded jumper, blue/denim jeggings, and navy wellies with a tartan trim.”

Superintendent David Howieson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Hazel Nairn who have been looking for answers since she went missing.

“She was last seen in the water in the River Don near to Monymusk on Friday, November 18, 2022 and extensive and detailed searches were carried out using local and national specialist police resources in what was extreme weather conditions.

“This included the dive and marine unit, police dogs and air support, and those of partner agencies.

“Hazel remains a missing person and any further information received by police will be acted upon.”