A major hunt is underway for a missing fisherman who vanished days before Christmas.

Ben Dowie, 28, from Carnoustie near Angus, has not been seen since his creel boat ran aground with the engine still running on Inverbervie Beach, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday, December 20.

He was known to fish for lobster in Arbroath on board his Sea Eagle AH18 vessel. The discovery of the unmanned boat triggered a major search involving Police Scotland and multiple aircrafts including a search helicopter.

Coastguard rescue teams from Montrose, Stonehaven, Arbroath and Aberdeen were mobilised to the scene alongside RNLI teams from Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven and multiple local fishing boats. Physical searches have since been called off as the search enters its ninth day.

Police Scotland said a missing persons case remains open.


He was known to fish for lobster in Arbroath on board his Sea Eagle AH18 vessel (
Image:
Daily Record)
Tributes have since poured in from members of the local community who described Ben as a “true gent”. Nicola Glennie commented: “I only knew you for a short time but you were a gentleman.”

Kyle Hill said: “Such horrible news. You will be missed, Ben.” Poppy R-g added: “My heart bleeds. He was such a lovely boy.” Junior Corbitt said: “RIP to Ben, hope you are found soon, my friend.”

A spokesperson for Arbroath RNLI said: “Unfortunately at this time the casualty has not been located and our thoughts go out to family, friends, the local fishing community and all involved. We fly our flag at half mast for the respect of our local fishing community at these sad and difficult times.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.10am on Saturday, 20 December 2025, police were called to a report that an unoccupied creel boat had run aground on Inverbervie Beach, Inverbervie.

“A multi-agency search was carried out to trace the sole occupant of the boat, including searches of the Lunan Bay and coastal and surrounding areas. Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries and the missing person remains outstanding.”