Police in Aberdeen have confirmed that two women have died following an incident at the city’s Beach Esplanade.
Emergency services, including coastguard and lifeboat crews, attended the scene at around 00:45 am on Friday after concerns were raised for two people spotted in the water.
The women, who police say were foreign nationals aged 22 and 36, were recovered by an inshore lifeboat but later died in hospital.
Chief Inspector Martin Mackay said: “Above all, my thoughts are with all of those who will be affected by this tragic incident.
“While officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding why these women came to be in the water so late at night, at this stage there appears to be no apparent suspicious circumstances.
“From our initial enquiries which include speaking to a witness who was at the scene at the time, we understand that they entered the water for the purpose of swimming but sadly underestimated the conditions.”
Police are trying to contact the women’s next of kin but say it could take some time.
Formal identification of the bodies has not yet taken place, and further information including the identities of the two women will only be released once their families have been informed.
Chief Inspector Mackay thanked the rescue personnel who attended and assisted, and did their best to save the two women.
He added: “Our seas can be extremely unforgiving, conditions can change rapidly and I can’t stress enough the dangers of entering the water at any time of the day or night when you are not suitably prepared.
“Public safety is paramount and Police Scotland is committed to working with our partners to ensure people know of the dangers of entering any body of water whether you are swimming, sailing or walking near the water’s edge.”
A spokesperson for Aberdeen Water Safety Group also issued the following statement: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of the two women following this terrible tragedy.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time but we are obviously deeply saddened at the loss of two young lives and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to friends and families and our gratitude to rescue services who did everything they could to prevent the fatalities.”
For further coverage of the incident visit our sister titles The Evening Express and The Press & Journal
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