Tragic find as body is washed up
Hamish Hutchinson • Published 5 May 2011 08:00
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The alarm was initially raised when George Gibson was spotted drifting near the Kincardine Bridge.
A BODY believed to be that of Alloa man George Gibson has been discovered washed up near Airth.
The body was found on Sunday afternoon on the foreshore near the Clackmannanshire Bridge.
A woman walking with her children near the shoreline made the discovery at around 4pm.
She immediately alerted people in the village and the police were called.
A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman confirmed that a body had been found.
She added that a formal identification process would be carried out before the name of the body was released.
The discovery comes just over a fortnight since Mr Gibson went missing after going for a swim in the River Forth.
The 44-year-old was last seen just before 8pm on Friday 15 April when he was spotted drifting unconscious under the Kincardine Bridge.
His girlfriend reported to the authorities that he had undressed before voluntarily entering the water to attempt to swim across the river.
Fife Police, South Queensferry and Kinghorn Coastguard Rescue Team, a rescue helicopter and lifeboat were all involved in an extensive search of the area but were unable to trace the Alloa man.
Tidal patterns complicated the search along the 29-mile stretch of the river.
His mother Frances Gibson posted a notice in the Advertiser last week thanking everyone for their love and support.
It read, "With heartfelt thanks to all my family, friends and neighbours for the love they have shown me in the loss of my son, George. Love you all, Frances Gibson."
As the Advertiser went to press Mr Gibson was still classed as missing.
A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said, "Police believe there are no suspicious circumstances and inquiries are continuing.
"A formal identification process is still to be carried out and the identity will not be released until this has been completed."
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 04 May 11
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