On Sunday 28 December, 2025, Civil Air Support (CAS) announced that they are conducting an extensive airborne search in the Perth area, following a request for support from a local family. The decision was made based on the guidance of their national Search Advisory Group and in coordination with the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC).
The search is focused on the stretch of the River Tay between Smeaton’s Bridge and Mugdrum Island, near Newburgh. CAS crews are capturing high resolution imagery of the area, which will be carefully reviewed and analyzed by their experienced ground-based support teams.
The family of Declan Cunningham, who went missing in the area on 18 December, has been notified of the ongoing search. CAS extends their thoughts and support to the Cunningham family during this difficult time.
Unfortunately, CAS has received multiple requests for assistance in missing person searches across the UK during the Christmas period. Despite this, their volunteer crews are dedicated to providing their aerial expertise and resources to support families and statutory agencies in their search efforts.
A spokesperson for CAS stated, “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.”
