About the RNLI
Lifeboats and stations
Lifeguards and beaches
Training
History and heritage
How we use your money
Get involved
Leaving money
Donate now
Other ways to help
Donate or become a member
Print this page PDF this page
Karen MunroVolunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Thurso.
The cargo vessel was able to lower the casualty onto the lifeboat using a basket stretcher
Lifeboats News Release
Thurso Lifeboat was tasked to carry out a medevac from a cargo vessel after a crewman took ill during a transatlantic journey.
The medevac request was received on Thursday 16 August from Port Services who were concerned for the welfare of the crewman but his condition was not urgent enough for him to be airlifted and at that time the vessel was still in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Taylors RNLI lifeboat launched 36hrs later in flat sea conditions just after midnight on Saturday (18 August) morning with a doctor on board and the crew rendezvoused with the cargo vessel Atlantic Mermaid on the outskirts of Thurso Bay.
The cargo vessel was able to lower the casualty onto the lifeboat using a basket stretcher where the crew were able to take him safely ashore where an ambulance was waiting to transport him to hospital. No further details were available on the crewman’s condition.
Photo Caption: This picture shows the basket stretcher being lowered into action.
RNLI Media Contacts: Karen Munro, volunteer lifeboat press officer for Thurso, 07815 622596.
Download Thurso assist with a medevac
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland from 236 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 180 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0845 122 6999 or by email.
The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland
Our lifeboat crews launch 24 times a day on average. Find out which station has launched near you around the UK and Republic of Ireland. View shouts.
Shouts
The cargo vessel was able to lower the casualty onto the lifeboat using a basket stretcher 