A woman has died after falling into the water at a Moray port despite the desperate attempts of local heroes to save her.
Coastguard crews and harbour staff dived off the quayside at Buckie Harbour seconds after the 61-year-old was spotted in the water.
It is understood that the woman was fishing with friends on the port’s North Pier before she plunged into the sea.
The woman, who is understood to live in the town and is from Eastern Europe originally, was eventually pulled to safety by the local lifeboat before being airlifted to hospital in Aberdeen.
However, yesterday police confirmed she had died as a result of the tragic accident.
Last night, rescue teams who jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the woman were praised for their bravery.
A crew member from a visiting vessel berthed at the harbour said: “I didn’t see how she ended up in the water. The first I knew was when I saw people jumping in.
“The lifeboat got there pretty quickly. I don’t know how cold the water would be but the people who jumped in had to have thermal blankets wrapped round them after.”
The gate leading to the North Pier remained closed at the harbour yesterday to prevent people accessing the area.
Moray MP Douglas Ross praised the bravery of the emergency crews who reacted quickly in an attempt to save the woman.
He said: “It’s sad news to hear that she has died and my thoughts go out to her friends and family.
“As ever, the emergency services were on the scene and acted quickly to rescue the woman and get her out of the water. Once again we are indebted to them for their service.”
A coastguard spokesman said: “Buckie and Portsoy teams were sent along with the Buckie lifeboat, the search and rescue helicopter from Inverness and the ambulance service and police.
“Coastguard and harbour personnel entered the water to rescue the person, who was recovered onto the lifeboat before being taken by helicopter to Aberdeen. Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts the person died in hospital a short time later.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to Buckie Harbour with other emergency services after concerns were raised for a woman in the water at about 6.20pm on Monday.
“She was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where she sadly died. Her next of kin have been made aware.
“There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and as with all sudden deaths a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
