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Police divers secure cars in River Dee ahead of removal following tragic crash

Police divers searched for both cars on land and in the water, before securing them so they're not swept down the River Dee.
Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson
Police divers searched for both cars on land and in the water, before securing them so they're not swept down the River Dee. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

Police divers returned to the River Dee today to secure two cars that plunged into the water in a tragic crash.

Dylan Atkinson died on Monday after his red Audi left the A93 Aberdeen to Ballater road and went into the water just outside Aboyne.

Yesterday, the 19-year-old’s devastated family said his “irrepressible enthusiasm and energy” will continue in their hearts but they will never heal from the loss.

A second car, a black BMW driven by a 26-year-old man also landed in the water.

Efforts to recover the vehicles have been hampered by water levels, which are high due to melting snow.

Today, police officers from the dive and marine unit could be seen looking for the vehicles once again, which are completely submerged.

It is understood the fast-flowing river moved the vehicles – which will need to be examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy – about 130ft overnight.

To ensure they don’t move any further downstream, divers have now attached rope to the cars. Colleagues on land secured the rope to trees on the riverbank.

The police dive and marine unit could be seen searching for the vehicles, which will eventually be recovered from the Dee with a crane. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

Land and water search

A group of officers inspected the banks and looked in the water for the two cars.

Officers found the red car quickly as it can be seen more clearly while divers used snorkelers to locate the black BMW.

A diver in the water searching for the vehicles. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson.

It is understood a crane will be drafted in to lift both vehicles from the water when the conditions are right.

Investigations into the crash, which happened at about 8am on Monday are continuing.

The driver of the second car was flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where he is believed to be in a stable condition.

Dylan Atkinson, who will be remembered for this enthusiasm for life. Submitted.

Tributes for Dylan

Mr Atkinson’s family paid emotional tribute to the trainee mechanic yesterday, saying they will never heal from the tragedy.

Parents James and Trish Atkinson said: “There are no words. There is no tomorrow. There is only now. There is no escape, there is only pain.

“Dylan was our life and his irrepressible enthusiasm and energy will continue in our hearts and of those who knew him well.

“Our family is broken and it will never heal, it will just change. Our hearts are full of love and that will always stay.

Loved ones have been laying flowers for Dylan on the riverbank near where he died on Monday. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

“Everyone’s thoughts, messages and support are a comfort and please know how much that means to us all.”

Floral tributes have been building up on the riverbank, with many of the former Aboyne Academy pupil’s friends keen to pay their respects.

A police officer at the riverbank off the A93 takes in the floral tributes left for Dylan.<br />Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson
The police marine unit searched for the cars from land and water, before securing them to trees to prevent them moving further down the River Dee. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson
The police marine and dive unit have been examining the crash scene using kayaks this week. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson
Divers used snorkel gear to locate both cars in today’s search. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson
Those in the water were guided by officers on land too. Image: Paul Glendell / DC Thomson.

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