On a chilly November morning in the Scottish Highlands, a scene of confusion and concern unfolded near the banks of the River Nairn. Shortly after 9:15am on November 14, 2025, emergency services rushed to the area around Howford Bridge, responding to reports that a car had crashed off Cawdor Road and plunged into the fast-flowing river. The incident, which took place on the B9090 just south of Nairn, quickly drew the attention of local authorities and residents alike, as questions mounted about the fate of those involved and the circumstances leading up to the crash.
According to BBC, the car involved—a blue Fiat Panda—was found partially submerged in the river, secured by a blue rope tied around a nearby tree. The stark image of the vehicle, set against the backdrop of bare trees and grassy riverbanks, painted a sobering picture of the morning’s events. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the rapid response: two fire engines, two water rescue units, and a host of other emergency personnel converged on the scene in a coordinated effort to manage the unfolding crisis.
As details began to emerge, it became clear that the incident was anything but straightforward. Police Scotland received information indicating that Martin Hannah, a 59-year-old man, was last seen near the crash site around the same time the car entered the water. According to a Police Scotland spokesperson, "Officers are appealing for the help of the public to trace Martin Hannah, 59, who has been reported missing in the Nairn area." The spokesperson further described Martin as "5ft 7ins tall, of slim build with short red hair," and noted that he was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black jogger bottoms.
The situation took on a heightened sense of urgency when it was revealed that the driver of the car had left the scene before police arrived. While Martin Hannah was believed to have been the driver, authorities initially stopped short of confirming whether the missing man and the car’s driver were one and the same. This uncertainty added a layer of complexity to the search, as officers worked to piece together the sequence of events and ensure the safety of all involved.
Emergency crews—including HM Coastguard, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and Police Scotland—responded to a flurry of 999 calls regarding the incident. The response effort was nothing short of extensive. According to a spokesperson for HM Coastguard, "HM Coastguard is supporting the response to a report made at about 10.30am on 14 November of a car going into the River Nairn, south of Nairn. Nairn Coastguard Rescue Team has been sent as well as an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter." The helicopter was spotted scouring the river and its banks, covering a stretch approximately 1.5 miles south of Nairn, as authorities worked to locate any sign of the missing man.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed their involvement, stating, "We received a call at 9.32am to attend an incident near Howford Bridge, south of Nairn. We dispatched two ambulances to the scene, and we transported one patient to Raigmore Hospital." The condition of the person taken to hospital, who was traveling as a passenger in the car, remains unknown at this time. Authorities have yet to release further details about the passenger’s identity or the extent of their injuries, adding to the anxious wait for updates among family, friends, and the wider community.
As the search for Martin Hannah intensified, Police Scotland issued a public appeal, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. Officers advised members of the public not to approach Martin directly, but instead to contact Police Scotland immediately if they saw someone matching his description. "Concerns are growing for Martin’s welfare, and it is vital that we find him to make sure he is safe and well," said Sergeant Steven Maclennan. "Extensive searches are ongoing, and we are asking Martin or anyone who has seen someone matching Martin’s description or knows where he might be to get in touch." The police also provided a dedicated contact number, urging the public to reference incident number 0665 of 14 November 2025 when providing information.
The events of that Friday morning have left the local community on edge, as speculation swirls about the connection between the missing man and the river crash. While police have traced the driver, questions remain about Martin’s whereabouts and the circumstances that led to both his disappearance and the car’s plunge into the river. The fact that the driver left the scene before officers arrived only deepens the mystery, leaving authorities to sift through witness accounts and surveillance footage in hopes of finding answers.
For residents of Nairn and the surrounding Highlands, the incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of rural roads, especially in the colder months when conditions can change rapidly. The River Nairn, known for its swift currents, poses additional hazards for both motorists and emergency responders. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies—from ground crews to aerial search teams—highlight the seriousness with which such incidents are treated in this part of Scotland.
The involvement of HM Coastguard, with its search and rescue helicopter, underscores the scale of the operation and the determination to leave no stone unturned. The use of specialized water rescue units reflects the inherent dangers of working around fast-flowing rivers, where even experienced swimmers can quickly find themselves in peril. For emergency personnel, the priority remains the safe recovery of all individuals involved and the provision of medical care to those in need.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who was in the area around Howford Bridge on the morning of November 14 to come forward with any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant. The hope is that a member of the public may have witnessed something that could shed light on Martin Hannah’s disappearance or provide crucial details about the moments leading up to the crash.
For now, the community waits anxiously for news, hoping for a resolution that will bring clarity to a day marked by uncertainty and concern. The search for Martin Hannah continues, with emergency crews and local authorities working tirelessly to ensure his safety and to answer the many questions still lingering in the wake of the River Nairn crash.
