Tobermory RNLI in multi-agency operation to assist injured fisherman
Tobermory RNLI’s weekly training was interrupted on Tuesday 29 January 2019 by a request from the Scottish Ambulance Service to assist an injured fisherman on a fishing boat alongside the Cal Mac pier.
Tobermory Coastguard Rescue Team was already on the scene. Conditions were bitterly cold with snow showers. Fortunately, the crew had cleared snow from the deck of their Severn class all weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey. The lifeboat went alongside the fishing boat and the lifeboat crew assisted coastguards to transfer the injured man onto the lifeboat. The lifeboat then made her way to the Tobermory harbour pontoons where the injured man was transferred into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The man was then transferred to Stornoway Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter at a landing site close to Tobermory High School which had been prepared by Tobermory and Craignure Coastguard Rescue Teams.
Coxswain David McHaffie said: ‘This was a real joint effort by all of the agencies involved. We’re pleased to hear that the fisherman has not been seriously injured and we all wish him well with his recovery.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Dr Sam Jones, Lifeboat Operations Manager and volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Station on 07747601900 or [email protected].
Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]
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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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