Longhope RNLI Lifeboat takes part in search for diver at Scapa Flow.
RNLI Longhope lifeboat was requested to launch yesterday at 4.34pm by UK Coastguard following a report of a diver getting into difficulties and failing to surface.
The crew were tasked to join a search and rescue operation in Scapa Flow with Stromness and Kirkwall Coastguard Rescue Teams, the UK Coastguard SAR helicopter and other dive boats in the vicinity.
The search was triggered when a diver failed to surface after diving on a wreck 1nm NE of Cava Lighthouse.
Once the casualty was located and then recovered by Longhope lifeboat, a paramedic from the UK Coastguard helicopter was winched onto the lifeboat to assess the diver's condition. The casualty was then taken to Stromness.
The lifeboat then returned to station at 8.50pm, refuelled and was ready again for service.
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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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