Montrose RNLI volunteers undertake specialist ejected pilot exercise with RAF
The volunteer crew of RNLI Montrose Lifeboat Station carried out a specialist ejected pilot rescue exercise on Saturday morning, designed to prepare them for responding to potential aircraft ditching incidents at sea.
Due to Montrose’s proximity to Leuchars aerodrome, the exercise aimed to strengthen the crew’s readiness for aviation-related emergencies. Both the Shannon-class lifeboat 'Ian Grant Smith' and D-class lifeboat 'Margaret Olive' launched to conduct a series of practical afloat scenarios, each simulating different circumstances a pilot might face after ejection.
Crews trained on a range of situations - from a conscious pilot safely within their life raft to an unconscious pilot still attached to their raft but in the water. These realistic exercises allowed crews to practice safe recovery techniques across both lifeboats, with a strong focus on communication, coordination, and casualty care once the pilot was recovered.
Preparation for the exercise began earlier in the week on Monday evening, when the crew welcomed Adam Clarke from RAF Lossiemouth for an informative familiarisation session. This session covered aircraft ejection procedures, the survival equipment used by pilots, and - crucially - how to safely detach pilots from parachutes, life rafts, and associated gear during recovery.
Understanding this equipment is essential to ensure lifeboat crews can carry out rescues safely and efficiently, while avoiding hazards such as entanglement with parachute lines or a life raft’s drogue during recovery operations.
This valuable joint training enhances the Montrose crew’s knowledge, readiness, and confidence in responding to any emergency at sea - including the complex and high-risk scenario of an aircraft ditching.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Derek Smart said:
“Exercises like this are vital for maintaining our crew’s preparedness. Working alongside the RAF gives us unique insight into the challenges of aviation incidents at sea. Our volunteers train tirelessly so they can respond quickly, safely, and effectively - whatever the situation.”
RNLI Montrose extends sincere thanks to Adam Clarke of RAF Lossiemouth for his support and expertise, and to the dedicated volunteer crew for their continued commitment to saving lives at sea.
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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