Firefighters who desperately fought to rescue a stricken canoeist from a stretch of notorious rapids in Perthshire have been praised for their efforts.
Simon Fletcher died last month after he got into difficulty while shooting the rapids at Grandtully.
With conditions treacherous, the 19-year-old’s body was eventually pulled from the water 28 hours after his canoe capsized.
Disaster struck when Simon became trapped under rocks amid the fast-flowing rapids at Lower Grandtully just days before the under-21 international was due to take part in a national competition at the site.
Initial efforts to rescue him were in vain and, as an air pocket that surrounded him gave way, the last chance to pull him alive from the water disappeared.
Members of the Tayside Fire and Rescue Board yesterday paid tribute to the victim and also praised those who defied the conditions to recover his body.
Board convener Councillor Ken Lyall said crews had done “everything they possibly could” during the tragedy.
He said, “Sadly, the young canoeist passed away at Grandtully in extremely unfortunate circumstances.
“Fire and rescue services took the lead in the water rescue and recovery operation.”
He added, “There was incredible joint working between them and other bodies including police and ambulance personnel.”
There was widespread vocal approval from board members when Mr Lyall said, “I would like to pay tribute to everyone who assisted.
“Both full-time and retained firefighters were involved over the two days of this incident.”
Mr Lyall added that a debrief for locals was also appreciated.
He said, “It was extremely helpful. It shows we are moving forward with both joint working and communication with the public.
“Ultimately this was a tragic and, in some ways, a freak accident.”
He added, “However, absolutely everything that possibly could have been done was done and those involved deserve great credit.”
Meanwhile, board members also paid tribute to two firefighters who died while tackling a blaze at a block of high-rise flats in Southampton.
James Shears (35) and Alan Bannon (38) died at the 15-storey building almost exactly a month ago.
Mr Lyall said, “I think it is important to take a couple of minutes to recognise the firefighters who sadly passed away last month in Southampton.
“Mr Shears and Mr Bannon were, by all accounts, hugely respected at their station down there.
“I think that a note in the minutes of this meeting would be an appropriate gesture.”