Scapa search following upturned boat report

A major search operation took place in an area of Scapa Flow last night, following reports of an upturned boat being sighted in the sea.

Coastguard Rescue Teams from both Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope were tasked to the scene – not far from Scapa Pier – to carry out a shore-based search and Stromness Lifeboat was launched, all shortly after 8.15 pm.

After an extensive search, lasting until 12.15 am, the search was stood down, with nothing untoward found.

A Coastguard spokesman described the callout as a false alarm with good intent.