Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
World
Jenny Morrison & Cathal Ryan

Family of missing grandmother swept away by river working with diver who searched for Nicola Bulley

A diving expert that assisted in the search for Nicola Bulley is now helping a heartbroken family who have launched a new hunt for their grandmother six months after she was swept to her death in a swollen Scottish river.

Last November, 71-year-old Hazel Nairn disappeared after falling into the River Don in Aberdeenshire while attempting to walk home with her West Highland terrier dog amid severe weather.

Five days after, her daughter, Anneka Gray, found the body of her mum’s dog. There was no trace of the former air hostess Hazel, however, despite an extensive search by Police Scotland and local volunteers.

READ MORE: Diving expert 'baffled' over single detail about discovery of body

Now, Hazel’s daughter has renewed the appeal to help find her mum, asking walkers to keep their eyes peeled on coastal paths and even beaches.

She added that family and friends intend on using kayaks to search the banks of the River Don throughout May and that the family were feeling more optimistic about finding her after receiving the advice of specialist diver Peter Faulding, Daily Record reports.

Ms Gray posted on social media: “Still no sign of my mum - not one single trace since that awful day. Experts say she is more than likely to be still in the river, but we just can’t rule anything out.

“Any trace of her could be anywhere. We are getting into the water ourselves on kayaks throughout May.

“Anyone experienced that can do that with us - or anywhere on the River Don or even just walk the riverside again - is a help. We have got help from Peter Faulding, so I am feeling more optimistic.”

Forensic expert Peter Faulding, from Specialist Group International (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Officers from Police Scotland’s Dive and Marine Unit joined other specialist resources in searching for Hazel when she was seen in the River Don near Monymusk at approximately 3pm on Friday, November 18, 2022.

Hazel was last seen being carried downstream toward Aberdeen. Her family have said that they were desperate to find any trace of Hazel, explaining that she was wearing distinctive wellies with tartan when she plunged into the fast-flowing water.

READ NEXT

Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.