A significant multi-agency search operation remains underway off the Aberdeenshire coast after an unoccupied creel fishing boat ran aground near Inverbervie Beach on Saturday morning, prompting serious concerns for the sole occupant. Police Scotland confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to trace the missing individual associated with the vessel.
Emergency services were alerted around 11.10am on Saturday, 20th December 2025, after the vessel was discovered ashore without anyone on board.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: “Around 11.10am on Saturday, 20 December 2025, police were called to a report that an unoccupied creel boat had run aground on Inverbervie Beach, Inverbervie. A multi-agency search was carried out to trace the sole occupant of the boat, including searches of the Lunan Bay and coastal and surrounding areas,”
The coordinated response mobilised extensive resources, including Coastguard assets, a helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and shore-based teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath, and Aberdeen. Lifeboats from Arbroath, Montrose, and Stonehaven also joined the search, which extended across Lunan Bay and surrounding coastal areas.
Despite the comprehensive search efforts over the weekend, the individual has yet to be located.
“Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries and the missing person remains outstanding,” Police Scotland confirmed.
No further details regarding the person’s identity, the circumstances leading to the boat being unoccupied, or whether any personal equipment was recovered have been released.
The incident casts a stark light on the inherent dangers within Scotland’s fishing industry. Commercial fishing is consistently ranked as one of the most hazardous occupations in Britain, with an average of 6.44 fishermen losing their lives each year since 2010, many in Scottish waters.
In Case You Missed it:
More than 1,000 Aberdeen museum artefacts still missing four years on
House-bound in Aberdeen missing out on vital healthcare
£250,000 raised as Aberdeen International Airport launches search for new charity partner
IKEA to shut Aberdeen order point, promises new site search as shoppers face longer trips
Creel boats, which are traditionally used for harvesting shellfish like lobster, crab, and langoustines, constitute a significant 74% of Scotland’s inshore commercial fishing fleet and contribute substantially to the nation’s economy, supporting numerous coastal communities. However, single-handed creel fishing, in particular, is recognised as a high-risk profession, with a considerable number of overboard incidents resulting in fatalities.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) mandates a “Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m Length Overall,” which outlines rigorous standards for vessel construction, stability, and safety equipment.
These regulations aim to mitigate risks in an industry that remains vital but challenging, grappling with concerns such as spatial squeeze from other marine activities and a declining number of active fishermen. The rugged coastline around Inverbervie, characterised by pebbly beaches and cliffs, further underscores the challenging marine environment faced by those working at sea.
