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Loch Ness RNLI launches for 300th rescue

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday 20 September, Loch Ness RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched for its 300th rescue since the station was established in 2008.

RNLI/Lynsey Macready

Four volunteer crew members of the Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station launched the RNLI Loch Ness Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV lifeboat and made their way towards Foyers to locate a powerboat which had engine failure in the middle of Loch Ness.

Simon Cameron, volunteer Helm at Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station, says: 'The lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard in order to assess the situation one mile south of Foyers. The casualty vessel had lost power and was drifting towards the north shore with one person onboard.

'Good conditions allowed us to quickly locate the boat in the centre of the loch and bring the casualty aboard the lifeboat. As helm, I then assessed the situation before making the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualty.

'Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call outs to sailing and motor boats, accounting for nearly 20% of all RNLI lifeboat launches. The casualty did the right thing by wearing a life jacket and carrying a means of communication to call for help and we’re glad our 300th rescue had a positive outcome.'

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Joanna Stebbings, has volunteered with the lifeboat station since it was first established: 'This rescue marks the 300th time our volunteer crew have launched on service and we’re proud to have been saving lives on Loch Ness for the past 16 years. In that time, we have saved 13 lives and we’re grateful to everyone who has fundraised, donated and supported us over the years to ensure our volunteer crew can continue helping those who find themselves in difficulty.'

Notes to editors

· Loch Ness lifeboat station was established in 2008

· Situated on the northern shore of the iconic Loch Ness, lifeboat station volunteers operate in a unique, inland environment

· To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/loch-ness-lifeboat-station

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.

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