New search after boat tragedy

Shaun Ridley and his youngest son Michael died in hospital

A team of up to 30 coastguards is due to carry out a search on Wednesday for the body of a teenage boy in a Scottish loch.

Steven Ridley, from Greater Manchester, has been missing since his father and younger brother died when their motor boat overturned on Loch Ryan.

Despite a major police search following the accident last month, 15-year-old Steven's body has never been found.

An inquiry by police and marine investigators is underway into the accident, which took place on 12 July, during which Steven's father Shaun, 37, and brother Michael, 12, died.

The search for Steven, from Westleigh, was initially called off the day after the accident, because rescuers believed there was little chance of him being found alive.

Searchers looking for his body said they aim to take advantage of a good forecast and the lowest tide of the year.

Police appeal

Four lifeboats and eight search teams involving coastguards from Girvan, Stranraer and Portpatrick were due to take part in the operation, which should begin at 1900 BST.

Dumfries and Galloway Police have appealed for anyone who may have been a passenger on any ferries in the area around the time of the tragedy and who may have witnessed the motorboat to come forward.

Mr Ridley and Michael were still alive when they were pulled from the water after drifting for up to five hours after the accident, but hospital staff were unable to save them.

The boys' grandfather Brian Ridley, 61, and family friend Harvey Haughton, 58, survived the accident by clinging to the upturned hull of the boat until they were spotted by a passing yacht.