A major search operation is ongoing for a missing fisherman who vanished days before Christmas. Ben Dowie, 28, from Carnoustie near Angus, has not been seen since his creel boat ran aground with the engine still running on Inverbervie Beach, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday, December 20.
Mr Dowie was known to fish for lobster in Arbroath on board his Sea Eagle AH18 vessel. The discovery of the unmanned boat triggered a multi-agency search involving Police Scotland, coastguard rescue teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath and Aberdeen, RNLI teams from Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven, and multiple local fishing boats. A search helicopter was also deployed.
Physical searches have since been called off as the search enters its ninth day. Tributes have poured in from the local community, with many describing Mr Dowie as a "true gent". One person wrote: "I only knew you for a short time but you were a gentleman." Another said: "Such horrible news. You will be missed, Ben."
A spokesperson for Arbroath RNLI said: "Unfortunately at this time the casualty has not been located and our thoughts go out to family, friends, the local fishing community and all involved. We fly our flag at half mast for the respect of our local fishing community at these sad and difficult times."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 11.10am on Saturday, 20 December 2025, police were called to a report that an unoccupied creel boat had run aground on Inverbervie Beach, Inverbervie. A multi-agency search was carried out to trace the sole occupant of the boat, including searches of the Lunan Bay and coastal and surrounding areas. Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries and the missing person remains outstanding."
