Sudden death of Egilsay resident

Police have confirmed the sudden death of an Egilsay man today, Sunday.

A Police statement said that concern was raised for the wellbeing of the man after he failed to return home after going to check his boat, which was berthed in the harbour on the island.

Shetland Coastguard were notified and both Kirkwall lifeboat and the Sumburgh based Coastguard rescue helicopter were deployed to the area.

The missing man was located unconscious in the harbour by members of the Kirkwall lifeboat crew. He was airlifted and transferred to the Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall.

Sadly the man, who has not yet been named by police, did not regain consciousness and passed away.

Police enquiries continue and the circumstances, which are not thought to be suspicious, will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.