Searches were widened yesterday and specialist resources brought in as concern was growing for an Oban woman who has been missing since Friday.
Police divers searched the sea surrounding the town as the helicopter performed aerial searches of the area.
Chrystalla Dean, 51, has not been seen since Thursday night.
A coastguard helicopter, police, Oban Lifeboat, Oban Mountain Rescue, coastguard volunteers and scores of local residents were involved in a major search operation over the weekend.
Even Ms Dean’s dog Ripple joined the hunt.
She was last seen by her daughter on Thursday at about 8pm at her home in Longsdale Crescent. The following day her daughter returned and when her mother failed to come home that evening she called police and reported her missing.
Police said Ms Dean had been dealing with some “personal issues” recently and her family want to know she is safe and well.
Iain MacKinnon of Oban Coastguard said the search was extended yesterday. He said: “We were out from 8am until 4pm. We looked at the area of coastline in front of the Sound of Kerrera between Oban Sailing Club and Gallanach House.
“It is a case of covering all bases. The police are extending the search all the time. There was a huge effort on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday and again today. We are covering all possibilities at the moment, we still don’t really know what has happened to her.
“Police divers had a look at the around about Dunollie Point and they are coming back tomorrow.
“They are also hoping that the police helicopter will be able to come back and do another aerial search of the whole area.”
Ms Dean normally walks her dogs in a wooded area known locally as The Witches. It is believed she may have taken one of her dogs for a walk there but the pet arrived home without her.
A police spokesman said: “Inquiries are still ongoing.
“Specialist services have been included, we have brought in the marine unit and the police helicopter as we attempt to find Chrystalla.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Oban Police Station on 101.”
Ms Dean is about 5ft1in tall, of slim build, with curly hair which is dyed blue. It is believed she may have been wearing a red top, jeans and boots.
