The family of former Scottish rugby international Scott Hastings has confirmed his wife Jenny, 60, has been missing since Tuesday, after she went for a swim in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said they received a “report of concern” at about 2.45pm, and a helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and other nearby vessels all took part in a search.
However the agency said the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening.
In a statement, the Hastings family said they were “absolutely heartbroken” at the news, adding that Jenny had “struggled with her mental health for a number of years”.
The statement said: “It’s with huge sadness that we write to advise you that Jenny went for a swim in the Firth of Forth on the afternoon of Tuesday September 3 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.
“The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.
“Jenny and Scott have a huge following of friends from all walks of life including those that work in the media and we ask that at this moment in time we are allowed to grieve privately with family members.”
“For the time being we request that you hold off from messaging us directly and/or posting on any social media until further news.
“We know that you all care for us deeply and as soon as we hear any update from the police we will advise you accordingly.
“We miss our Jenny. She leaves a gaping hole in all our hearts and hope that she is returned to us safely so that we can celebrate her remarkable life.”
The statement is signed “Scott, Corey, Daniel, Kerry-Anne & Ian”.
Scott Hastings, 59, is the younger brother of ex-Scotland captain Gavin Hastings, and a former Scottish international rugby player.
He won 65 caps for his country and represented the British and Irish Lions twice. He has also worked as a sports commentator for Sky and ITV.
Jenny Hastings had previously spoken about her struggles with mental health. In March 2017 she disappeared from her home in Edinburgh for 36 hours, walking for miles to the Pentland Hills while suffering with depression.
She eventually sought help by going into a police station on that occasion.
In 2016, both Scott and Jenny became ambassadors for charity Support in Mind Scotland. They also helped launch the 100 Streets Challenge, which encouraged people to boost their mental health through exercise.
For confidential advice and support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.