The family of a missing kayaker from Glasgow said today his disappearance was “completely out of character.”
They also say they are “desperate” to find Jason Chung Wai-Ho, who failed to return from a paddle off the west coast.
The 39-year-old ignored advice from an off duty police officer not to go out in fierce squalls on January 13.
He has now been missing from Traigh Beach, near Arisaig, during a sustained period of nightly sub-zero temperatures.
Despite an extensive air, land and sea search not a trace of the kayaker – or his single person red kayak – has been found.
Mallaig Lifeboat, Coastguard rescue helicopters, coastguards, and police with search dogs have all been looking for Jason.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, Skye Mountain Rescue Team and the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) have also joined the hunt at different times.
Yesterday his family said in a statement issued through police that they wished to thank all those that had searched for Jason and appealed for any information.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the effort the emergency services and other agencies including the RNLI, SARDA, Lochaber and Skye Mountain Rescue have made to date,” they said.
“Jason is a much loved member of the family and had a lot of time for everyone. His disappearance is completely out of character and we are desperate to find him. We urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward and contact the police.”
The family also appealed for people to financially support the rescue organisations involved in the search for their loved one.
“We had an opportunity to speak first hand to all those involved in the search and are reassured by their expertise and extensive efforts. These agencies depend on the public’s support and donations,” they said.
Jason was last seen the off duty police officer – who is also a member of Mallaig Lifeboat – at around 4.30pm on January 13.
He advised him not to go out to sea in the conditions because of the sudden winter squalls in the area. Jason’s car was still parked nearby the following day.
Jason is described as 5ft 8in tall with short dark hair and beard. He was last seen wearing a black waterproof jacket, black waterproof trousers and a black buoyancy aid. His car, a red 2003 Toyota Corolla, has since been recovered by the police.