The family of former rugby star Scott Hastings have said they are “absolutely heartbroken” after his wife, Jenny Hastings, went missing following a swim.

Ms Hastings failed to return after going swimming in Wardie Bay in Edinburgh on Tuesday, they said, adding that Jenny had “struggled with her mental health for a number of years”.

The family said in a statement: “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 3 September 2024, and that the incident is being treated by the police as a high risk missing person case.”

It continued: “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.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky 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”.

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 took part in a search.

But the search failed to find anything, and was called off at 8.20pm that evening, the agency said.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Hastings, 59, a former Scottish international, won 65 full caps at centre from 1986 to 1997 and is the younger brother of former Scotland captain Gavin Hastings.

He later moved into broadcasting and worked for both Sky Sports and ITV.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

Related posts:

New police appeal to find ‘Wales’s most wanted man’ Police to be investigated over Plymouth gunman’s shotgun licence being restored last month Rocket scientists and brain surgeons ‘are no smarter than the rest of us’ Melting of Antarctica’s ‘doomsday glacier’ threatens UK sea levels, scientists warn Inflation hits highest level for nearly 30 years as rising food bills add to energy bill squeeze ‘Despicable’: Pro-Russian graffiti appears at Game of Thrones location Culture secretary calls for UEFA investigation into ‘deeply concerning’ scenes at Champions League final Back to school prices are soaring – see how much bags, lunch boxes and more have gone up Therapist accused by sister of stealing from rich mother tells court of ‘frightening’ relationship This Morning presenters announced after Phillip Schofield exit Barking dogs alert owners as fire tears through house National Gallery demolition workers find funder’s secret critical note