Two rescued from rocks by Thurso RNLI Lifeboat
Whilst on a routine training exercise on Monday 29 July, RNLI lifeboat The Taylors was tasked by Coastguard to go to the assistance of two persons who had got into difficulty on the rocks east of Thurso.
After arriving on scene, the volunteer crew elected to launch the stations daughter craft Y boat. The couple were located and taken on board the all-weather lifeboat.
On board The Taylors they were checked over by volunteer crew members trained in casualty care, given some fluids and then returned by Y boat to the rest of their party on Thurso Beach. Scrabster Coastguard who responded to the emergency call were on the beach to assist.
The rescued couple had become trapped on the rocks because of the rising tide and had been out for over 30 minutes. Their windsurfer and paddle board were also recovered and returned.
Thurso RNLI Coxswain Gordon Munro said: ‘A few things had happened the windsurfer went out and couldn't get back because of the tide, the second person went to help on a paddle board and also couldn't get back to shore so both ended up on the rocks. Thankfully this time their friend on the beach was aware that they were out and when they failed to come back they dialed 999 for help’.
The Coxswain emphasised the importance of telling someone that you are going to sea and when you expect to return or carrying a mobile or other way of communicating with the emergency services if the need arises.
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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