Tobermory lifeboat launched as dinghy capsizes in loch

At 4.45pm, the UK Coastguard requested the launch of the Tobermory lifeboat after one of the occupants of a 3m wooden dinghy that had capsized in Loch na Droma Buidhe (an offshoot of Loch Sunart to the north east of Tobermory) called 999 for assistance. Both persons onboard the boat had made it ashore and the caller had run to a house to call for help whilst her exhausted companion remained on the rocky shore.

The Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey arrived on scene to find the male casualty being attended to by two members of the public who were making efforts to keep him warm. The lifeboat’s daughter craft (the Y boat) was launched and the male casualty transferred to the lifeboat where two crew members administered casualty care.

The lifeboat proceeded north to Glenmore Bay where Salen Coastguard Rescue Team assisted with the transfer of the casualty to Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 151. The helicopter paramedic also checked the female casualty over where she was found to be suffering no ill effects from her time in the water. The male casualty was transferred to Belford Hospital, Fort William as a precaution. After securing the capsized boat for later recovery by the owner, the lifeboat returned to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service by 8.45pm.

Coxswain David McHaffie said: ‘Hypothermia can set in very quickly after even a short time in the water at this time of year. This was a multi-agency, rapid response with a successful outcome. We would like to thank the members of the public and local fishfarm workers for their assistance in this operation.’

Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711549609 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]

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