Two women, aged 24 and 26, have died following a diving trip at Loch Fyne in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, police have confirmed.
Police Scotland said officers responded to a “report of concern” involving two divers at the loch at around 15:30 on Sunday. The incident took place near St Catherines, Cairndow.The 26 year old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following further searches, the body of the 24 year old woman was later recovered from the water.A multi agency search and rescue operation was launched in response to the incident.
An HM Coastguard helicopter took part in the operation, alongside rescue teams from Crinan, Dunoon, Kames and Inveraray. Lifeboats from Tighnabruich, Campbeltown and Largs were also dispatched to the scene.Loch Fyne is the longest sea loch in Scotland, stretching around 40 miles (65km) from the Sound of Bute.
Beyond its reputation among divers, the loch is also well known for its oysters and seafood.The area is considered a popular and generally accessible diving destination. Keith Waugh, a member of a local diving club, described the loch as usually “incredibly safe” and said many divers use the site for training purposes.
According to Waugh, the site near St Catherines, known locally as Seal Reef, feature a reef close to the surface along with a small sunken speedboat resting on the bottom. He explained that divers typically explore the reef, observe local marine life, and make a zig zag ascent back to the surface.
“The reef starts really close to the surface, so it’s ideal as a training experience,” Waugh said, drawing on his own decades of diving experience.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that the deaths are currently being treated as unexplained. A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course to help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No further details regarding the identities of the two women, their diving qualifications, or the equipment used during the dive have been released at this time.
Diventures Magazine will continue to follow this story and provide updates as official information becomes available.
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