News / Police name crewman missing from Hjaltland
POLICE are continuing enquiries in a bid to trace a crewman who went missing from the northbound Hjaltland ferry on Wednesday night.
Officers have named the man as Alistair Gibson, known as Charlie, who is aged 58 and is from Orkney. He was last seen at around 9.10pm on Wednesday.
Another search conducted by the coastguard and local lifeboats on Thursday was called off at around 5pm.
Charlie is described as 5’7” in height with short, balding dark hair and is of slim build and has slight facial stubble.
When last seen, he was wearing a navy blue uniform with the NorthLink Ferries logo and glasses. He was reported missing just after 11pm.
Shetland area commander chief inspector Lindsay Tulloch said on Thursday evening: “We are continuing our enquiries to trace Charlie and would urge anyone who may have information to contact us.
“We have spoken to passengers who were on board the ferry today and have continued with searches today.
“If Charlie is reading this, we would urge him to get in touch to let us know that he is safe and well.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 5259 of 27 June.”
After the search was called off on Thursday, HM Coastguard controller Lee Duncan said: “Following an extensive search of the area using multiple assets nothing has been found, the decision has been made to suspend the search pending further information.”
The Hjaltland berthed at Lerwick around five hours late on Thursday and on Friday morning it arrived back in Aberdeen.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
