Kirkwall RNLI respond to emergency call for medical assistance

The all-weather lifeboat Margaret Foster launched at the request of UK Coastguard at 1.40pm on Sunday 6th June to head for a local survey vessel with a medical case onboard to the south of the island of Eday.

Margaret Foster made best speed towards the casualty vessel in calm weather and were informed the vessel was heading for Kirkwall, the lifeboat met with the survey vessel off the island of Shapinsay, after discussion with the skipper and with the casualty stable the decision was made that the lifeboat would escort the vessel to Kirkwall and meet with the awaiting paramedics form Scottish Ambulance Service.

Once alongside at Kirkwall harbour, and with the casualty taken into the care of paramedics, Margaret Foster was stood down and returned to base at 1.54pm.

The lifeboat was refueled and made ready for service again by 2.00pm.

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.