Major search for man, 72, missing after sailing on dinghy off Wigtown Bay

A major search has been resumed for a missing man who was sailing on a dinghy off the Solway Coast.

A multi-agency operation, including HM Coastguard and Police Scotland, is looking for a missing 72-year-old man who had been in the Fleet of Bay area on Tuesday afternoon.

The Coastguard responded to the incident involving an overdue dinghy off Wigtown Bay after 7pm on Tuesday, with the search resumed on Wednesday morning.

Coastguard teams from Ballantrae, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, Portling, Stranraer, and Portpatrick were sent to the scene, along with a search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick.

A multi-agency operation, including HM Coastguard and Police Scotland, is looking for a missing 72-year-old man who had set off in a dinghy from Wigtown to sail in the Fleet of Bay area, off the Solway Coast on Tuesday afternoon. ITV

RNLI Lifeboat teams from Kirkcudbright and Port William are among those also aiding the search.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard has responded to an incident involving an overdue vessel off Wigtown Bay, Scotland, on Tuesday May 13.

“Alerted just after 7pm, Coastguard rescue teams from Ballantrae, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, Portling, Stranraer and Port Patrick were sent alongside an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick and Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat.

“Police Scotland were also in attendance. The search has resumed this morning.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.05pm on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, we were made aware of a missing 72-year-old man who had been sailing in the Fleet of Bay area earlier that afternoon.

“Officers are working with partner agencies including Coastguard and ongoing searches are being carried out.”

Port William RNLI posted on Facebook: “Returning to harbour after last night’s shout in Wigtown Bay. Refuelled, back on station at 1.3am. Situation ongoing, updates may follow.”