A fire chief has spoken of the “emotional pressures” put on rescuers as they battled to save the trapped canoeist at Grandtully on Wednesday.
Tayside fire and rescue station manager Colin Hannigan said, “Crews were faced with a hugely difficult scene as canoeists, both present on the river and visiting the site, attempted assistance and were observed by a large numbers of tourists visiting the popular spot for the day.
“This added distinct emotional pressures on those responding, who not only had to bring the situation under control, contain and manage the efforts of others, and render their own rescue attempts, but did so initially under the gaze of an expectant public.
“It is therefore both a tragedy and loss for the canoeist’s family and a deep disappointment to those involved whose efforts eventually proved fruitless.”
He added, “Several efforts were made to free the occupant and boat from the force of the water. These efforts continued for more than six hours, until the light faded, involving in excess of 50 persons with various rescue skills.
“The force of the water, however, proved far too powerful.
“This was demonstrated when after successfully managing to attach a line with a two and a half ton breaking strain and 20 plus persons hauling we failed to move the vessel even an inch, before the line snapped.”
He went on, “At one stage 37 firefighters were fully involved including units from Dundee, Perth, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy.
“An RN helicopter crew were on scene which itself attempted several rescues, and maintained cover during further rescue attempts by the fire service, police specialists, mountain rescue and specialist civilian personnel.”