The heartbroken daughter of a woman swept away by the River Don has said she feels “lost” now that police have scaled down their search.
Hazel Nairn was battling bad weather to get home when she and her dog were swept away by the fast-flowing river in Monymusk on November 18.
A huge search involving police, coastguard teams and the local community was launched but the 71-year-old has not been found.
Earlier today, police confirmed their search of the River Don has now concluded – but stressed the investigation was still open.
Tonight, her devastated daughter Anneka Gray said Ms Nairn’s loved ones “won’t give up”.
“I’m just feeling lost and hurt that they’re giving up,” she said.
“I understand the police search can’t go on forever but it’s only been six weeks – and two of those weeks no search took place as the weather was too bad and temperatures too low.”
‘She didn’t want to celebrate without her Nana’
Mrs Gray said police have told her they will be in touch if there are any fresh leads.
In the meantime, she has vowed to keep the search going with help from locals and Turriff drone pilot Cameron Anderson, who has been regularly searching the river from above.
She also described how difficult Christmas had been for the family.
They placed wreaths at the river on Christmas morning, and plan to go back with flowers for Ms Nairn’s birthday next week.
“When you speak to, and see someone, every day and all of a sudden that’s gone, you feel empty,” she said, adding her six-year-old daughter is struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved Nana.
“We still have presents under the Christmas tree that are unopened. My daughter just didn’t want to celebrate without her nana.”
Searches of the river initially focused on the immediate Monymusk and surrounding area, including Fintray and the Fetternear Estate.
Coastguard teams were seen searching the embankments, while kayakers went down the river, with the effort eventually making its way downstream towards Aberdeen.
‘Anything is possible’
Ms Nairn’s beloved Westie Ruaridh was found during the first week of searches.
Mrs Gray said that a small group is still out looking most days, often finding flood debris in areas that had been previously searched.
“That shows anything is possible with the water moving all the time,” she said.
“We won’t give up, every day we are out we find something. Sometimes it’s a shoe, not necessarily my mum’s, but with debris moving, items can be found and you never know, my mum could be under there.
“We and the drone pilot Cameron are out most days. We strongly believe my mum has not made it out to sea therefore we need to keep looking.
“My mum deserves to be found.”
Public urged to keep look-out
Mrs Gray renewed her plea for walkers to keep an eye out, as well as farmers potentially clearing flood debris from their fields.
She said: “The public can keep looking too – fisherman out on coastal routes, surfers in the sea, kayaking clubs going down the river – all please keep an eye out in the next few weeks and months.”
Confirming the “extensive and detailed” police searches of the river had concluded, Sergeant Andy Peerless said: “Our thoughts are very much with Hazel’s family at what is still a very difficult time for them and we appreciate how hard it must be for them. Officers will continue to support them.
“Extensive and detailed searches have been carried out using local and national specialist police resources, including the dive and marine unit, police dogs and air support, and those of partner agencies.
“These have now concluded but inquiries will be ongoing to trace Hazel.”
Ms Nairn was last seen wearing a long khaki puffa jacket, blue leggings and blue Wellington boots with tartan on the side. Anyone with information, or who spots any trace of her, should call 101 quoting incident number 2209 of November 18.
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