Emergency services called to River Awe over canoeist fears

Emergency services were called to an Argyll river today after a member of the public thought she spotted a canoeist in trouble.

The incident took place just after midday at Bridge of Awe near Oban, when the River Awe was in full flow following heavy rain.

However, the incident turned out to be a “false alarm”.

A police spokeswoman said: “There was a group of canoeists and a member of the public thought one was in difficulty.

“Officers went to the scene and found that all members of the group were accounted for safe and well.”

Iain MacKinnon of Oban Coastguard volunteer crew said: “It was a false alarm with good intent.

“The woman was right to alert the emergency services and people shouldn’t hesitate to call 999 if they think someone is in trouble.”