Police inquiries continue after unoccupied boat runs aground on beach

Police are continuing to look into an incident in which an unoccupied boat ran aground off Inverbervie Beach in Aberdeenshire.

On Saturday at around 11.15am, the Coastguard was alerted to the unmanned creel boat, which still had its engine running, and began searching for the occupant.

The search was called off at 9.20pm the same day, despite extensive searches.

Police Scotland said on Sunday they are continuing to make inquiries.

A spokesperson said: “Around 11.10am on Saturday, December 20 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.

“Officers are continuing to carry out inquiries and the missing person remains outstanding.”

A Coastguard spokesperson previously said: “The search terminated at 2120 as unfortunately nothing was found.

“There are no plans to continue with a search at this time.”

Coastguard rescue teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath and Aberdeen, as well as lifeboats from Aberdeen, Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven, had assisted in the search on Saturday.