Tobermory RNLI goes to the aid of cruise ship passenger

Tobermory RNLI lifeboat launched shortly after 1100 on Saturday morning following a report from Stornoway Coastguard that a passenger had been injured in a fall on a large cruise ship which had anchored earlier in the morning in Tobermory Bay. Tobermory's volunteer crew were asked to assist in the safe transfer of the casualty.

On going alongside the cruise ship, the crew established that there were in fact two casualties requiring evacuation. Following a consultation with two members of the Scottish Ambulance Service, it was decided to evacuate the two casualties using one of the cruise ship's tenders. The lifeboat then escorted the tender to the pontoons where the casualties were safely transferred ashore.

Tobermory RNLI Coxswain David McHaffie said: 'This was another example of joint working with our colleagues in the emergency services, this time from the Scottish Ambulance Service. This morning's service also proved to be a valuable training exercise for the crew as it's not often we have the opportunity to manoeuvre alongside a 200m long ship. All of us would like to wish the two cruise ship passengers a speedy recovery.'

Notes to editors

For more information, contact Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones on 07747601900 or email [email protected]

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