Two women dead after diving trip at Scottish loch

Two women, age 24 and 26, have died after a diving trip at a Scottish loch.

Police Scotland said officers were called to a "report of concern" for two divers at Loch Fyne in Argyll and Bute, at about 15:30 on Sunday.

The force said the 26-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident at St Catherines, Cairndow.

The body of the 24-year-old woman was found in the water after further searches.

A HM Coastguard helicopter and rescue teams from Crinan, Dunoon, Kames and Inveraray joined the search.

Lifeboats from Tighnabruich, Campbeltown and Largs were also sent the scene.

Loch Fyne extends 40 miles (65km) from the Sound of Bute and is the longest sea loch in Scotland.

It is a popular diving location and known for its oysters and seafood.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "The deaths are being treated as unexplained and a post mortem examination will take place in due course."

Keith Waugh, of Clydebank Sub Aqua Club, said he was shocked by the incident as he said the site was usually "incredibly safe".

He said the area near St Catherines, known as Seal Reef, has a reef which starts near the surface and a small speedboat at the bottom.

Waugh, who has been diving for decades, said: "We use that area as a training site.

"We usually explore the reef and see what fish might be there, and zig-zag to the surface.

"The reef starts really close to the surface so it's ideal as a training experience."

He said the women who died were not thought to be members of the Clydebank club.