Ann began to tremble but forced herself to sit up tall. She took a deep breath. ‘What is to be done next?’

‘My staff will lay out all the flotsam in the refreshments room so that relatives might lay claim to them and then, eventually, identify their loved ones.’

There was a tap on the door and they turned to see a tall, ginger-whiskered man, wrapped in a thick woollen overcoat. He removed his hat on seeing Ann.

‘Excuse me for interrupting, Mr Smith, but as I indicated this morning, I need to return to Aberdeen today and you said you might have information on when trains northbound shall return to regular timetable.’

‘Of course, Mr Fletcher, come away in.’ He gestured for the man to enter. ‘This is Mrs Craig, her husband was on board the train. One of only two passengers in first class, we believe.’

The man stared at Ann, his dark eyes narrowing. His expression was difficult to determine but as he inclined his head and held out his hand to her, she realised it was not the usual admiration, but pity.

‘Mrs Craig, this is Edward Fletcher, the diver who went down yesterday.’

Ann stood up and faced him. ‘Can you tell me what you saw? Please.’

‘I’ve done many dives in my long career. The Tay has always been a challenge as it is so fast flowing, and from the bridge it is also tidal. I was taken out in the boat and then I descended.’

‘Excuse me asking, Mr Fletcher,’ interrupted Baxter, ‘but I’ve aye been curious about divers. How d’you keep out the cold, what d’you wear?’

‘Leather suit with brass helmet bolted on and weighted boots.’

‘How do you breathe?’

‘The air is pumped down by a manual pump on board.’

‘I read something in the newspaper recently about diving bells,’ Ann asked. ‘Do you use those?’

‘No, they’d have been no use at those depths, so I just went down myself and communicated with the men onboard by standard procedures. Four tugs on my rope means I need to come back up. I managed to stay down there for six to seven minutes each time. On the second dive, I found the coach.’

‘What could you see?’ Baxter leant closer to hear the softly spoken man.

‘Nothing, it was dark and murky. All I managed to bring up was some of the upholstery, a piece of cloth from the seating in the first class carriage.’

Ann sighed and sat down with a thump. ‘Mr Fletcher, do you think bodies will be recovered soon?’

‘I cannot say, I am sorry.’ He turned to address Alec Smith. ‘Mr Smith, is there an Aberdeen train soon?’

‘My apologies, sir, of course. Normal timetables are not yet resumed for northbound trains but we are planning on having one leave on the hour.’ He glanced up at the clock. ‘You have plenty of time. Platform four.’