An investigation is underway into the death of man who fell into the sea at a Highland fish farm.
The man was working on a marine site owned by Mowi Scotland when he fell from a vessel into Loch Alsh, near Balmacara slipway, following a “workplace incident” shortly before 4pm on Tuesday.
Emergency crews recovered the man from the water before rushing him to Belford Hospital, in Fort William, where he was pronounced dead.
Ian Roberts, communications director of Mowi Scotland, yesterday spoke of the company’s devastation.
He said: “A workplace incident resulting in a fatality has occurred at one of our sea sites.
“We are all devastated with this news, and our deepest thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
Members of the Kyle and Lochalsh lifeboat were sent to the scene to assist officers from Police Scotland after the alarm was raised at 3.50pm. Stornoway Coastguard helicopter was also sent to the scene, but an ambulance transferred the man to hospital.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 3.50pm on Tuesday, February 18, police received a report of a man in the water in the Kyle of Lochalsh area. He was recovered from the water and taken to Broadford Hospital where he was pronounced dead.”
The Marine Accident Investigation Board have now launched an investigation in collaboration with Police Scotland and relevant bodies to establish the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Mr Roberts added: “Relevant authorities are now investigating, including police, Health & Safety Executive and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Respecting that an investigation into this incident is ongoing, no further information can be provided at this time. “
A Police spokesman said the man’s death is “not being treated as suspicious” with a report due to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.
