Residents of Aberdeenshire awoke to a scene straight out of a maritime mystery on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as a creel boat washed ashore on Inverbervie Beach with its engine still running—yet not a soul to be found on board. The incident, which unfolded just after 11:15 a.m., has prompted a major search operation involving multiple emergency services, leaving the local community and authorities alike searching for answers.
According to BBC, the first reports came in mid-morning, alerting Police Scotland and HM Coastguard to the eerie sight of the unoccupied fishing vessel aground near the small coastal town of Inverbervie. The boat, commonly used for catching shellfish in these northern waters, was found with its engine running, raising immediate concerns about the fate of its crew—or lack thereof.
Police Scotland quickly confirmed that the boat was indeed unoccupied when it ran aground. The force wasted no time, coordinating with a coastguard helicopter and, notably, a fixed-wing aircraft to begin a comprehensive search of the coastline and surrounding sea. The urgency was palpable. In a statement provided to STV News, officials noted, “Emergency services remain at the scene, and enquiries are said to be ongoing.”
The search effort was nothing short of extensive. Rescue teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath, and Aberdeen were swiftly mobilized, their expertise vital for covering the rugged, often treacherous Aberdeenshire coastline. Lifeboats from Arbroath, Montrose, and Stonehaven joined the operation, combing the waters and shoreline for any sign of missing crew or clues as to what led to the boat’s mysterious arrival.
In scenes reminiscent of a thriller, a red and white coastguard helicopter could be seen hovering against the stark, grey December sky, scanning the cold North Sea for any trace of life. According to BBC, the involvement of both a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. The use of aerial support allows for a broader and more detailed sweep of both the water and the coastline, critical in the early hours of a search operation when time can make all the difference.
Back on the ground, the atmosphere was tense. Locals gathered at a respectful distance, casting anxious glances toward the stranded vessel and the flurry of activity around it. For a community so closely tied to the sea, the incident struck a particular chord. Fishing and creeling are not just livelihoods here—they’re woven into the fabric of daily life. The sudden appearance of an unmanned boat, especially with its engine running, is enough to send a shiver through even the most seasoned seafarer.
As the hours ticked by, emergency teams maintained their search, methodically covering the area in hopes of finding answers. Police Scotland reiterated their commitment to uncovering the truth, working in tandem with HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crews from three different stations. The operation also drew on the expertise of local volunteers, many of whom know these waters like the back of their hand.
While the facts of the case are clear—the boat ran ashore at Inverbervie Beach at about 11:15 a.m., was unoccupied, and was discovered with its engine running—the questions swirling around the incident are anything but. Was there a crew member who fell overboard? Could mechanical failure or a sudden medical emergency have led to the abandonment of the vessel? Or is there a less dramatic, but equally urgent, explanation waiting to be uncovered?
Authorities have yet to release the name of the vessel or any information about its owner or usual crew. However, the immediate and coordinated response from multiple agencies suggests that every possible avenue is being explored. As STV News reported, “Emergency services remain at the scene, and enquiries are said to be ongoing.” This ongoing investigation leaves the door open to a variety of outcomes—some more hopeful than others.
The presence of lifeboats from Arbroath, Montrose, and Stonehaven is particularly noteworthy. These lifeboat crews are made up of highly trained volunteers who routinely risk their lives to save others. Their rapid deployment to the scene is a testament to the seriousness with which the incident is being treated. It’s also a reminder of the strong sense of community and solidarity that exists among those who live and work by the sea.
For the people of Aberdeenshire, the incident has stirred memories of past maritime tragedies, as well as stories of miraculous rescues. The North Sea’s reputation for sudden storms and unpredictable currents is well known, and even the most experienced sailors can find themselves in peril with little warning. The hope, of course, is that this story will have a happier ending—but as of Saturday evening, no further details had been released regarding the whereabouts or identity of the missing crew, if indeed there was one.
In the meantime, the investigation continues, with Police Scotland and HM Coastguard urging anyone with information to come forward. The search is expected to continue into the night, with teams prepared to brave the cold and darkness in pursuit of answers. The use of both aerial and sea-based resources means that every inch of the coastline and surrounding waters will be scrutinized.
As the sun set over Inverbervie Beach, the creel boat remained a silent witness to whatever transpired earlier that day. Its engine, once humming with the promise of a day’s work, now serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life at sea—and the deep bonds of community and duty that come to the fore in times of crisis.
For now, Aberdeenshire waits, hoping for news—any news—that might shed light on the mystery of the empty boat and the fate of those who should have been aboard. The search, as authorities have made clear, is far from over.
