Invergordon Lifeboat Launched to assist in missing person search
Police Scotland requested the launch of the RNLI Invergordon Lifeboat via Aberdeen Coastguard Control Room at 6:20pm Tuesday 5th Feb to assist with a shoreline search around the Nigg Ferry area of the Firth
The Volunteer crew launched the All-weather Trent Class Lifeboat at 6.26pm with a crew of 7 to undertake a search for the woman last reported last seen around Nigg Hill, which forms part of the North Sutor area of the Cromarty Firth.
Aberdeen Coastguard also requested the attendance of Local Coastguard Teams and Rescue 951 Search and Rescue Helicopter to assist in the search with Police Scotland
The Lifeboat made best speed up the Cromarty Firth, navigating through Commercial Traffic and began the search at Nigg Ferry Slipway, with a tasking to search round to Castlecraig.
With Darkness now fallen, good use of the high powered Lifeboat Search Lights and Nigh Vision scope came into play to search the rocky shoreline and beach areas inaccessible due to the tide state.
With R951 using the Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras to search the Hill, the crew spotted various potential targets which later transpired to be nothing suspicious.
With a wind blowing 25knots and Slight Sea State, visibility was clear which made searching easier for the Volunteer Crew.
Around 7.20pm Rescue 951 advised that Police Scotland had confirmed the female casualty had been located on higher ground, with that, shortly after the Lifeboat was stood down and returned to the Invergordon West Harbour berth.
Invergordon Lifeboat spokesperson Michael MacDonald stated “It was a positive outcome for all parties involved, and we are happy to hear the woman has been found safe and well”
The Lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 8:00pm
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