River Tay search underway after report of person in water prompts large-scale response

At around 7.40pm this evening, multiple emergency service vehicles were seen heading towards Tay Street in Perth.

The Scottish Air Ambulance landed on the South Inch shortly after, joining the large-scale response. It has since departed the scene.

Perth Gazette understands that the HM Coastguard helicopter, deployed from Inverness, is now positioned over the River Tay and appears to be involved in a rescue operation. Police Scotland’s air support helicopter is also en route from Glasgow to assist.

Two Special Operations Response Teams (SORT) from the Scottish Ambulance Service, along with units from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, remain in attendance. Tay Street continues to be closed while the operation is ongoing.

It is unusual to see three helicopters from different agencies deployed simultaneously for a rescue operation, underlining the scale and seriousness of the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 7.45pm on Thursday, 14 August, 2025, we received a report of a concern for a person in the water near to Tay Street, Perth. As a result, Tay Street is closed in both directions, from Marshall Place to Canal Street, for motorists and pedestrians."

This is a developing breaking news story, refresh for updates.