A joint search and rescue operation by police and coastguard for a Kayaker who took to the River Findhorn during Storm Frank is to resume at first light.
The Kayaker is feared dead after capsizing from his vessel while navigating rapid torrents along one of Moray’s most notorious rivers.
It is believed his clothing became snagged on branches after he fell into the River Findhorn.
Rescuers were called out at about 12.30pm yesterday (December 30) but struggled to reach or communicate with the man in the stormy conditions.
The teams were forced to call off their efforts at about 5pm, as coastguard teams realised it would be impossible to reach him while the river was flowing so high.
A police presence was maintained overnight by the area of the river where the man became trapped.
Rescuers have confirmed they will resume their efforts to retrieve him form the water this morning.
The incident unfolded by Elephant’s Rock, a popular point for kayakers along the Middle Findhorn about 10 miles south of Forres.
It is understood that the man was in a party with a group of experienced kayakers, who sounded the alarm when he encountered difficulty.
A police spokesman confirmed officers attended the scene to assist with efforts to reach the stricken man, along with ambulance and coastguard personnel.
Rescue squads were faced with an arduous trek to reach the spot following torrential rain overnight and throughout the day.
It is believed that coastguard crews had to dislodge an ambulance which became embedded in mud after arriving at the scene.
Last night police were unable to confirm whether the stricken kayaker was still alive.
A spokesman said: “Emergency services attended a request for assistance on the River Findhorn after a call was received at around 12.36pm concerning a male kayaker who got into difficulties whilst navigating the water.
“Police officers, coastguard crews and staff from the Scottish Ambulance Service all attended the scene.”
A spokesman for the coastguard service said whether the effort to rescue the man could continue today would rely on water levels.
He said: “This is a police incident, so whether we are asked to continue rescue efforts in the morning would depend on the police making contact in the morning to request that.
“The chances are that will depend on the river levels in the morning.”
The River Findhorn has developed a fearsome reputation over the years following a number of accidents along its fast-flowing waters.
Earlier this year a teenager died at Randolph’s Leap, six miles south of Forres, after attempting to swim across the river.
The 19-year-old’s body was later found at Findhorn Bay.
And a 39-year-old man died after plunging into the river at Randolph’s Leap two years ago when he lost his footing and fell from a ledge.
In July a female holiday-maker was winched more than 200ft to safety from a gully along from Randolph’s Leap when a white water rafting expedition went awry.
Forres councillor George Alexander said: “The river is extremely dangerous when it is in a state of spate.”