Body found in search for missing sailor

A two-day search for a missing sailor has ended.

Author: Rob WallerPublished 16th May 2025

A body's been found in the search for a sailor who disappeared in the sea off Whithorn.

A rescue operation began on Tuesday evening when Alistair Turnbull, known as Garry, failed to return from a trip in his dinghy.

Coastguards, mountain rescue team, lifeboat crews and a helicopter were involved in the search for the 72-year-old from Gatehouse of Fleet.

On Thurdsay it was confirmed his dinghy had been found in Wigtown bay.

Later, at around 4.40pm, a body was recovered in the Fleet Bay area near Whithorn.

Police Scotland says the body has yet to be formally identified but Mr Turnbull’s family as been informed.

The force says there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

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