Kyle RNLI called to a person in the water at Eilean Donan Castle
Kyle Lifeboat, the UK Coastguard Helicopter from Stornoway and local Coastguard units were called to a person who had fallen 20 feet off rocks and landed in the water whilst trying to take pictures of the iconic tourist attraction
Kyle lifeboat The Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 10:04am this morning (Sunday 1st September) to reports of a person in the water at Eilean Donan Castle. The crew made best speed towards the Castle and arrived on scene at 10:22am, by which time the casualty had managed to scramble out of the water and was stuck on the shoreline at the base of the rocks. A paramedic from the Scottish Ambulance Service had managed to get down to the casualty and assess his condition, however due to his injuries the gentleman could not make it any further up the rocks from the position he was in. After a quick discussion with the paramedic, it was decided the best course of action was to transfer the casualty onto the lifeboat and transport him to the slipway at Dornie village hall where he could then be taken straight into the ambulance.
After being transferred onto the lifeboat, the crew immediately began trying to warm up the casualty who was extremely cold and wet. Whilst the lifeboat was heading towards the slipway, the UK Coastguard helicopter arrived on scene and landed in a nearby field until it could be ascertained if the casualty would need to go to hospital via road or whether he would need to be airlifted. After reaching the slipway, the casualty was handed back over to paramedics from both the Scottish Ambulance service & the UK Coastguard helicopter, where it was decided he would go to hospital in the ambulance.
At 10:40am the lifeboat was stood down and the crew returned to Kyle, where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 10:55am.
Speaking of the incident, a Kyle RNLI spokesperson said: ‘Whilst visiting the area on holiday, the couple had stopped in a layby to take pictures of the Castle when the casualty fell off the rocks and landed in the water below. His partner then ran about a quarter of a mile to the Castle to raise the alarm. The currents are extremely strong in that area, however he managed to get to the shore and hold on until help could arrive.’
Notes to editors
· For further details of the casualty, please contact the UK Coastguard or Police Scotland
· Please credit the pictures to Kyle RNLI
· This is the 17th callout for Kyle lifeboat this year
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