RNLI Longhope Lifeboat searches for missing diver.

At 12.29 today the Coastguard requested RNLI Longhope lifeboat to launch and search for a missing diver lost in Switha Sound. As it happened the crew were all present on the pier and kitted up with only their life jackets to grab from the crew room. They were steaming out of Longhope Bay seven minutes later and arrived on scene at 12.48.

The lifeboat commenced a creeping line ahead search for the diver who was reported missing from a 6m twin engine dory, the Sheila C. The Y- boat from the lifeboat was also launched and at it's helm was Oscar Spence on his first shout with the lifeboat. Another local dive boat, the John L coincidently skippered by one of our Deputy Coxswains was also in the area and joined in the search.  RNLI Thurso Lifeboat was also paged. Sea conditions and visibility were good.

Happily the Coastguard received a call from the diver who had made it safely ashore at the Martello Tower off Hackness Point. The lifeboat was stood down at 13. 25 and returned to station, refuelled and made ready for service.

Amazingly the lifeboat crew were all on the pier and prepared to go because they were in the process of being photographed by Jack Lowe from the Lifeboat Station Project. Jack's incredible mission is to document every RNLI Lifeboat Station using Victorian photographic methods.

This required the crew to stand completely stationary for 5 seconds and it was at this moment their pagers went off and Jack caught the moment. Afterwards when we knew the diver was well and safe and the crew home and back ashore, Jack said: 'When you see this happening it reminds me of what I'm documenting. That these are normal folk, ready to go and help others at a moments notice. I'm so pleased the Lifeboat Station Project was able to save a few minutes on the launch time and what a treat to have another project first- to have a crew portrait made as the pagers are going off in their pockets.

I have seen the finished plate and it is spectacular. An unbelievable photographic moment on Longhope pier preserved on glass by Jack. What a very special historical record to have. Thank you Jack.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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