Oban RNLI Lifeboat tasked to assist injured walker

Oban lifeboat ‘Mora Edith Macdonald’ was requested to launch at 5.50pm to assist with the evacuation of the casualty. The lifeboat arrived on scene and launched their daughter craft. Oban’s Coastguard Rescue Team and the Scottish Ambulance Service were already on scene assisting the casualty.

Two crew members made their way ashore in the daughter craft to assess the possibility of evacuation to the lifeboat. Although the casualty’s position was relatively close to the shore, the shoreline was steep and the wet rock proved treacherous. As evacuation by foot would also prove challenging, it was decided to call on the Coastguard’s Rescue Helicopter.

The lifeboat was requested to stand by as the helicopter arrived and so the volunteer crew members remained on scene incase any assistance was required.

Once the helicopter was on scene, their winchman was lowered and after assessing the casualty they were airlifted for the onwards journey to hospital.

The two crew members ashore returned to the lifeboat and with the casualty safely onboard the helicopter the lifeboat made its way back to Oban. Ready for service again by 7.30pm.

As the clocks change this weekend, RNLI crews around the country remain on call for an additional hour this Sunday. We remind everyone to take care when out walking or on the sea, our coastline is there to be enjoyed but dangers still remain. If you find yourself or spot anyone else in difficulty remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The work of the lifesaving charity relies heavily on the generosity of the public and Oban RNLI Lifeboat’s fundraisers will be holding another pop up shop on the North Pier in Oban next Saturday 31 October between 10-4pm. A range of RNLI souvenirs and Christmas Cards will be available.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.