RNLI Kessock respond to reports of 3 people in the water
RNLI Kessock volunteers were tasked this afternoon to respond to reports of potentially 3 people in distress in the sea near Chanonry Point near Inverness
The RNLI Kessock lifeboat crew were paged to launch at 5.01 pm. Launching their Atlantic 85 Class lifeboat, Robert and Isobel Mowat, quickly into flat calm seas and no wind and making best speed to Chanonry point near Fort George about 6 miles away from the lifeboat station.
A member of the public had contacted the emergency services when they saw a person swimming in difficultly in the tidal narrows and heard cries for help.
The UK Coastguard also tasked their Search and Rescue helicopter, Rescue 951 based just a few miles away at Dalcross. along with Inverness Coastguard rescue team.
The sea and weather conditions provided very good search conditions. Rescue 951 was quickly able to spot and make contact with the swimmer and establish they were ok and were able to make their own way to the shoreline where they were met by the Coastguard team.
At this stage there were still concerns that there may still be other swimmers unaccounted for, RNLI Invergordon were tasked to join the search. Meanwhile Kessock lifeboat and Rescue 951 quickly searched the area looking for anyone else.
With the swimmer safely ashore it soon became apparent that they were alone and there was nobody else in the water. With this in mind and no signs of anybody else found from the searches both lifeboats and the helicopter were stood down from the incident.
Dan Holland, volunteer lifeboat press officer at RNLI Kessock said ‘the member of the public did exactly the right thing in calling for help when they saw someone in difficulty. Knowing what to do at a time like this can make a significant difference to the outcome of the situation. We would encourage everyone else do exactly the same thing if they saw someone in difficulty in the water. Dial 999 and ask for the coastguard’
Both Kessock and Invergordon lifeboat crews returned to their boathouses, Kessock returning by 6.00pm.
ENDS
Media Contacts
Dan Holland, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Kessock, 07900 567 496 [email protected]
Henry Weaver, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]
Gemma Mcdonald, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland. 01738 642956, 07826 900639 [email protected]
RNLI 24 hour Press Office, 01202 336789
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