Heartbreak as dad feared dead after fishing tragedy with friend on Christmas Eve

06 January 2024 , 14:12

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Dad-of-two Greig Stoddart who remains missing (Image: Facebook)

A photo has been released of a missing Scottish dad who is feared dead after a Christmas Eve fishing tragedy.

Greig 'Stodge' Stoddart, 43, got into difficulty at Gartmorn Dam, Alloa, while angling with a friend on December 24. The body of a 55-year-old man, named locally as Ian McBurney, was recovered by police divers on Boxing Day. But dad-of-two Greig, from Tillicoultry, remains missing in the water.

His family previously hit out at a lack of police resources which they believe has delayed search efforts. Cousin Thomas Stoddart told the Record that they are now being helped by two charities, Beneath the Surface and Specialist Support Dogs, in a bid to get the fisherman's body home.

He said: "These teams coming on board is absolutely priceless to us. We can’t put into words how grateful we are. They left their families on New Year's Day to come out and help our family. “The dogs have indicated two areas of interest which has been passed to the police. It’s very frustrating that scotland>Police Scotland were not able or willing to use these free services from the start. It seems absolutely crazy to us."

Fisherman Ian McBurney (Daily Record)

Thomas said they know Greig's body is "still lying there" more than 10 days on as it's not a fast-flowing river or sea. He says they're dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions and believe that they could have had Greig home way sooner. Thomas continued: "We get deflated with the reactions of Police Scotland, who are only in the water for around two hours a day by the time they travel to and from their base in Greenock. When you’ve only got one police diver in the water at a time due to a lack of resources, you’ve got more of a chance of winning the lottery."

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Emergency services were called to the scene on Christmas Eve after fishing equipment belonging to both men was found floating in the water. Severe weather has been partly responsible for the search delays.

Chief Inspector Alex Hatrick said: "We have carried out a number of searches in the Gartmorn Dam area after we received a report of concern for two men on Sunday, 24 December. We know how challenging the last week has been for family and loved ones of the man who remains missing, especially given the time of year. We continue to provide support and are in regular contact with them.

"Specialist resources including the Dive and Marine, Dog and Air Support units, as well as our partners at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Coastguard have assisted at the scene. We will continue to act on all information we receive, and I would urge anyone who believes they have information that could help to please call 101, quoting reference 1281 of Sunday, 24 December."

Sarah Vesty