A determined and wide-ranging search is currently in full swing across Perth and its surrounding areas, as friends, family, and dedicated volunteers continue efforts to locate Declyn Cunningham, a 30-year-old local resident who has been unaccounted for since the early morning hours of Thursday, December 18. Declyn was last sighted near Smeaton’s Bridge, a well-known landmark in Perth, before his disappearance.
The search operation has focused heavily on the River Tay, a formidable natural feature that flows through the heart of Perthshire. Despite considerable ground and water-based searches, there has been no definitive sign of Declyn. The challenging river environment necessitates a multi-faceted approach, leading to the involvement of various specialist teams.
In a significant expansion of the search parameters, civilian aviation resources were deployed this past Sunday. Volunteers from Civil Air Support mobilised one of their aircraft to conduct an extensive aerial survey of the River Tay, covering the stretch between Perth and Newburgh. This high-vantage perspective aids in identifying areas inaccessible by ground, providing a crucial dimension to the ongoing efforts. Additionally, local residents have contributed significantly by deploying drones, offering their own aerial observation capabilities to scour difficult terrains and riverbanks. Heartfelt Thanks from Declyn’s Father as Search Continues
The emotional toll on Declyn’s family has been immense, yet they have been deeply moved by the outpouring of community solidarity. Declyn’s father, Thomas Cunningham, conveyed profound gratitude for the “monumental effort” shown by everyone involved. He publicly acknowledged the comprehensive coverage achieved, noting that volunteers had thoroughly searched both sides of the River Tay, from Smeaton’s Bridge downstream to the reed banks opposite the sailing club near Newburgh, over recent days.
Looking ahead, plans are already being formulated for further searches in the areas located east of Newburgh. Adding to the broad coalition of searchers, the specialist recovery group ‘Beneath the Surface’ is also slated to join the efforts in early January. Thomas reiterated his sincere appreciation for the collective and individual dedication, stating, “Again, the sincerest of thanks to everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, support, individual and collective efforts to try and find my boy.” Volunteer Aerial Support Group Joins the Cause
Civil Air Support, a charitable organisation that provides aerial assistance through a network of private pilots, confirmed their involvement. A spokesperson for the group detailed their contribution: “Following a request for support from a Perth family, and acting on the guidance of our national Search Advisory Group, Civil Air Support crews are conducting an extensive airborne search in the Perth area. As with all CAS search operations, this activity is fully co-ordinated with the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC).”
The spokesperson further elaborated on their operations: “The primary search area covers the stretch of the River Tay between Smeaton’s Bridge and Mugdrum Island, near Newburgh. Throughout the operation, crews are capturing a large volume of high-resolution imagery, which will be reviewed and analysed by our experienced ground-based support teams. The family of Declyn Cunningham, who went missing in the area on the morning of December 18, are aware that the search is taking place. The thoughts of everyone at Civil Air Support are with them at this extremely difficult time.” The organisation also highlighted the widespread demand for their services, stating, “Sadly, Civil Air Support has received several similar requests for assistance over the Christmas period and is currently engaged in multiple missing person searches across the UK. Our volunteer crews are working diligently to support families and the statutory agencies during what is an incredibly distressing time. We are committed to doing everything we can, using the specialist aerial capabilities available to us, to assist in the search efforts and to help bring clarity wherever possible.”
This expanded aerial component complements previous efforts, including a targeted search of the River Tay by a Police Scotland marine unit last Tuesday, near Declyn’s last known location. This demonstrates the determination to leverage every available resource in the hope of bringing Declyn home. Family’s Anguish and Unwavering Hope
In a poignant statement released on Christmas Eve, Declyn’s family articulated their profound anguish and enduring hope. The statement read: “This unimaginable week has almost passed, and it’s never been clearer how much you are loved and adored by so many. At this time of year, we all have the same Christmas wish of you returning home to us. We love you unconditionally, Dec. Our family would like to thank all the efforts, response and overwhelming support from all who are helping in the search to bring Declyn home to us. We are forever grateful and will not give up until you are home.” Declyn’s sister, Chloe, had also previously voiced her deep longing for her brother’s safe return.
Police Scotland continues to actively manage the case. Sergeant Lindsay Brown affirmed, “We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light.” Declyn is described as being approximately 5ft 11in tall, with a shaved head. He is known to have several tattoos, notably one on the back of his neck. At the time he was last seen, he was dressed in black trousers, a black coat, and a beanie-style hat. Police Scotland confirms their ongoing commitment to the investigation.
The search operation has focused heavily on the River Tay, a formidable natural feature that flows through the heart of Perthshire. Despite considerable ground and water-based searches, there has been no definitive sign of Declyn. The challenging river environment necessitates a multi-faceted approach, leading to the involvement of various specialist teams.
In a significant expansion of the search parameters, civilian aviation resources were deployed this past Sunday. Volunteers from Civil Air Support mobilised one of their aircraft to conduct an extensive aerial survey of the River Tay, covering the stretch between Perth and Newburgh. This high-vantage perspective aids in identifying areas inaccessible by ground, providing a crucial dimension to the ongoing efforts. Additionally, local residents have contributed significantly by deploying drones, offering their own aerial observation capabilities to scour difficult terrains and riverbanks. Heartfelt Thanks from Declyn’s Father as Search Continues
The emotional toll on Declyn’s family has been immense, yet they have been deeply moved by the outpouring of community solidarity. Declyn’s father, Thomas Cunningham, conveyed profound gratitude for the “monumental effort” shown by everyone involved. He publicly acknowledged the comprehensive coverage achieved, noting that volunteers had thoroughly searched both sides of the River Tay, from Smeaton’s Bridge downstream to the reed banks opposite the sailing club near Newburgh, over recent days.
Looking ahead, plans are already being formulated for further searches in the areas located east of Newburgh. Adding to the broad coalition of searchers, the specialist recovery group ‘Beneath the Surface’ is also slated to join the efforts in early January. Thomas reiterated his sincere appreciation for the collective and individual dedication, stating, “Again, the sincerest of thanks to everyone for the overwhelming amount of love, support, individual and collective efforts to try and find my boy.” Volunteer Aerial Support Group Joins the Cause
Civil Air Support, a charitable organisation that provides aerial assistance through a network of private pilots, confirmed their involvement. A spokesperson for the group detailed their contribution: “Following a request for support from a Perth family, and acting on the guidance of our national Search Advisory Group, Civil Air Support crews are conducting an extensive airborne search in the Perth area. As with all CAS search operations, this activity is fully co-ordinated with the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC).”
The spokesperson further elaborated on their operations: “The primary search area covers the stretch of the River Tay between Smeaton’s Bridge and Mugdrum Island, near Newburgh. Throughout the operation, crews are capturing a large volume of high-resolution imagery, which will be reviewed and analysed by our experienced ground-based support teams. The family of Declyn Cunningham, who went missing in the area on the morning of December 18, are aware that the search is taking place. The thoughts of everyone at Civil Air Support are with them at this extremely difficult time.” The organisation also highlighted the widespread demand for their services, stating, “Sadly, Civil Air Support has received several similar requests for assistance over the Christmas period and is currently engaged in multiple missing person searches across the UK. Our volunteer crews are working diligently to support families and the statutory agencies during what is an incredibly distressing time. We are committed to doing everything we can, using the specialist aerial capabilities available to us, to assist in the search efforts and to help bring clarity wherever possible.”
This expanded aerial component complements previous efforts, including a targeted search of the River Tay by a Police Scotland marine unit last Tuesday, near Declyn’s last known location. This demonstrates the determination to leverage every available resource in the hope of bringing Declyn home. Family’s Anguish and Unwavering Hope
In a poignant statement released on Christmas Eve, Declyn’s family articulated their profound anguish and enduring hope. The statement read: “This unimaginable week has almost passed, and it’s never been clearer how much you are loved and adored by so many. At this time of year, we all have the same Christmas wish of you returning home to us. We love you unconditionally, Dec. Our family would like to thank all the efforts, response and overwhelming support from all who are helping in the search to bring Declyn home to us. We are forever grateful and will not give up until you are home.” Declyn’s sister, Chloe, had also previously voiced her deep longing for her brother’s safe return.
Police Scotland continues to actively manage the case. Sergeant Lindsay Brown affirmed, “We continue to review all available information and will act on any new details which come to light.” Declyn is described as being approximately 5ft 11in tall, with a shaved head. He is known to have several tattoos, notably one on the back of his neck. At the time he was last seen, he was dressed in black trousers, a black coat, and a beanie-style hat. Police Scotland confirms their ongoing commitment to the investigation.