
Kyle RNLI called out to search for a missing person around the Skye Bridge
Kyle lifeboat, Portree lifeboat, a UK Coastguard helictoper, local Coastguard teams, local police teams and the FPV Hirta were all involved in the large scale search this afternoon after the alert was raised at 6:30pm
Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 6:35pm this evening after a member of the public reported someone missing, who was last seen in the area around the Skye Bridge. The lifeboat made best speed towards the bridge and immediately began searching the area.
The lifeboat was soon joined by the Fishery Protection Vessel Hirta and the Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway, who began systematically searching the area whilst local Coastguard and police teams searched the shoreline. Portree lifeboat was also launched and made their way to the area. At 8:00pm further information was received which confirmed that it was a false alarm with good intent, and the search could be stood down.
A Kyle RNLI spokesperson said: ‘A lot of different agencies and assets were involved in the search which was undertaken in challenging weather conditions. It turned out to be a false alarm with good intent, and once it was established that the missing person was safe and well all search teams were stood down. ’
Notes to editors
· This is the 10th callout for Kyle RNLI in 2020, after an extremely busy period over the past 4 weeks
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