Dog rescue casualty airlifted following Kessock lifeboat launch
On Wednesday 20 October at 9.10am RNLI Kessock’s charity lifeboat was requested by UK Coastguard to immediately launch prompting all available volunteer crew to race to the station to the aid of three people in the water off Chanonry Point.
The people had reportedly entered the Moray Firth to assist a dog in difficulty in the strong tidal currents associated with the location. The Atlantic 85 Robert and Isobel Mowat made best speed to the scene in unfavourable conditions with wind over tide, where it was ascertained that two of the three members of the public had made it safely to shore, with one unaccounted for.
The RNLI Kessock Helm initiated a search pattern from the last known location of the casualty and a Mayday alert was released from UK Coastguard for all vessels in the vicinity to attend. A local military vessel located the casualty and he was rescued on board and transferred to hospital via Rescue 151. The dog made its own way to shore where it was checked over and none the worse for its ordeal.
Helm Jon Ashburner said, "Today's successful outcome for the casualty was a result of excellent teamwork from the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat, in conjunction with local Coastguard teams on the shore and Rescue 151 above. It's also a timely reminder to dog owners or onlookers to call 999 or 112 if they see a dog in difficulty in the water. The RNLI advises that you don't enter the water to rescue them as you put yourself in danger and the dog is naturally more able to get out than you."
The RNLI Lifeboat returned to the station at Craigton Point where it was washed down, refulled and made ready for service .
RNLI media contacts
Yvette Kershaw , Lifeboat Press Officer, 07809 116153, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
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.