Young boy and woman die after five are sent to hospital, following seaside swimming accident in Aberdeen

A seven year-old boy and a 37 year-old woman died today in hospital after five people were involved in a seaside horror today.

A 13 year-old boy, 25 year-old woman and 28 year-old man remain in hospital for treatment after getting into trouble in the water at the beachfront in Aberdeen.

Personnel from Police Scotland, HM Coastguard, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Service attended the scene and rescued five people from the water, transferring them to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Officers are currently liaising with the next of kin; further information will be issued once they are fully informed.

Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie said:

“This is a very tragic incident which has resulted in a woman and young boy sadly losing their lives – it will undoubtedly bring shock and sadness to the entire city of Aberdeen and further afield. As we work with partners to establish the full circumstances of today’s events, we urge anyone who witnessed the incident or perhaps have information that could assist, to make contact with Police via 101”

“Given the recent weather conditions we’d urge members of the public to take care, especially when near coastal or beach areas.”

Concerned members of the public raised the alarm around 4.45pm after spotting the adult and two children struggling in the chilly North Sea.

Earlier

Previous reports had suggested only three, and then only four people were involved in the incident.

Police Inspector Lorna Ferguson, who coordinated the beach front rescue mission, originally stated only three people were in danger: “We got called down about 4.45pm after reports of three persons in the water at the beachfront in Aberdeen.

“It appears that all three were possibly playing in the water.

“It appears to be a mother and two boys. All three have been recovered from the water with the assistance of the coastguard and lifeboat and are all en-route to hospital.”

Officers spent the evening quizzing dozens of witnesses as a large area of the beach remained cordoned off.

Inspector Ferguson said it was not a “typical” day for people to be playing in the water due to the weather conditions and that they were making enquiries as to what had happened in the lead up to the trio getting into trouble.

One of the children is believed to be aged around six or seven with the other youngster described by police as “slightly older”.

The inspector added: “We are speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV at the scene.”