
Longhope RNLI launch in search for paddleboarders
Longhope RNLI were requested to launch yesterday evening (Wednesday 16 August 2023) at 9:15pm to search for two missing paddleboarders in Widewall Bay, South Ronaldsay.
Upon arrival at the given location, the Longhope RNLI lifeboat crew were informed that they were searching for a family of 3 to 4 people. The lifeboat conducted a search of the area and were later joined by the Coastguard SAR helicopter based at Shetland.
The lifeboat was soon stood down as the casualties had been located safely ashore and well. The lifeboat returned back to the station to be made ready for next service.
Trainee Coxswain, Scott Johnston, said: ‘We had a great and speedy response from the crew who worked well as a team during the search. Thankfully the sea conditions were good as we were working in the dark using the searchlight.’
The volunteer crew at Longhope had been undergoing a casualty care course during the day before the shout that evening. Karen Mackensie, a crew member from Thurso RNLI, was also on the course and attended the shout with Longhope RNLI - her first shout!
Notes to editors
· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/longhope-lifeboat-station
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Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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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