Father and son die in loch canoe tragedy

A family canoe trip turned to tragedy when a father and son were killed while boating on a Highland loch.

The pair were reported missing by the child's mother, who found their overturned canoe on the shore at Loch Maree in Wester Ross, yesterday.

She had become concerned when they failed to return from a planned 20-minute outing in the Tollie Bay area.

Northern Constabulary launched a major hunt after the alarm was raised at around 4.30pm.

A coastguard helicopter sent to the scene quickly found them and they were airlifted to the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway where they were pronounced dead.

Stornoway Coastguard watch manager David Smith said: "Both the boy and his father were wearing buoyancy aids and were located quickly by the helicopter.

"In spite of this and the efforts of the helicopter crew, tragically both the father and son have been pronounced deceased at Western Isles Hospital.

"Our thoughts go out to their family at this most difficult of times."

Chief Inspector Michael Coats said: "This is indeed a tragic accident and at this time our thoughts and sympathies are with the family."

Loch Maree, situated by Kinlochewe, is a popular beauty spot, despite its remote location.