Two women aged 24 and 26 have died in a scuba diving incident at Loch Fyne in Argyll and Bute, on Scotland’s west coast.
Police Scotland were called to a ‘report of concern for two female divers’ at 3.30 pm on Sunday, 26 July, near the village of St Catherines, on the western shore of Loch Fyne.
Police say the 26-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. A search was conducted for the 24-year-old woman, whose body was later recovered from the water.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘Around 3.30 pm on Sunday, July 26, 2026, we were called to Loch Fyne at St Catherines, Cairndow, following a report of concern for two female divers.
‘Emergency services attended and a 26-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Further searches were carried out in the water, and the body of a 24-year-old woman was recovered.
‘The deaths are being treated as unexplained, and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.’
Loch Fyne extends for 40 miles (65km) from the Sound of Bute and is Scotland’s longest sea loch. The site at St Catherines, known to divers as Seal Reef, is a popular shore dive and is widely used for training.
Keith Waugh of Clydebank Sub Aqua Club said he was shocked by the incident. He described the site as usually ‘incredibly safe’.
‘We use that area as a training site,’ he told the BBC. ‘We usually explore the reef and see what fish might be there, and zig-zag to the surface.
‘The reef starts really close to the surface so it’s ideal as a training experience.’
Mr Waugh added that the women who died were not thought to be members of the Clydebank club.
The operation to search for and recover the women was supported by a helicopter from HM Coastguard and rescue teams from nearby Crinan, Dunoon, Kames and Inveraray.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service mobilised two fire engines and water rescue resources to assist, and RNLI lifeboats from Tighnabruaich, Campbeltown and Largs were also sent to the scene. Fire crews remained on site until just before 7.30 pm.
‘Operations control mobilised two pumps and water rescue resources to assist a multi-agency search and rescue,’ said a spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
‘A female was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Further searches were carried out in the water, and the body of a second female was recovered.
‘Our thoughts are very much with their family, friends, and the wider community at this difficult time.’
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