RNLI Longhope Lifeboat rescues lone yachtsman.
Casualty with suspected heart problems alerts UK Coastguard for assistance.
Longhope lifeboat was requested to launch this morning at 10.50 by UK Coastguard to attend a lone yachtsman who had become unwell in Widewall Bay, South Ronaldsay. The lifeboat crew quickly located the Moody class yacht and assisted the casualty onboard. Showing symptoms of heart problems he was given oxygen and relevant medical care en route to Scapa pier where an ambulance was waiting.
Previously, the yachtsman had managed to drop anchor before calling the coastguard and so the lifeboat returned to the unmanned vessel. Two crew members boarded the yacht and under escort from the lifeboat they brought the yacht safely home to Longhope.
Sea conditions and visibility were good with light winds.
The lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service again by 14.00 hrs.
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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