Invergordon RNLI Launch to Assist Injured Paraglider at Rockfield
Invergordon RNLI’s Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat, was tasked by HM Coastguard at 3:17pm earlier today (Tuesday,11 November) to assist with reports of an injured paraglider at Rockfield, near the seaside village of Balintore.
The lifeboat ‘Agnes AP Barr” launched swiftly with her volunteer crew and made best speed to the scene, arriving at approximately 4:17pm.
The casualty was located on the shoreline and was being attended to by Coastguard personnel. Following assessment by the Rescue 851 paramedic, it was determined that the individual required onward medical care. Rescue 851 conducted a winch operation from the shoreline, and the casualty was subsequently transported to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, for further treatment.
With the casualty safely in the care of the helicopter crew, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station, ready for service.
Lifeboat returned to the station and was made ready for service by 5:30pm
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Andrew Shepherd said: “This afternoon’s callout highlights the importance of close cooperation between the RNLI, Coastguard Rescue Teams, and the Coastguard helicopter. Our volunteers responded quickly and worked seamlessly with our partner agencies to ensure the casualty received prompt medical attention. We wish them a speedy recovery.”
The RNLI would like to remind anyone heading to coastal areas or taking part in outdoor activities near the sea to always check weather conditions, carry a means of calling for help, and dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency.
Notes to editor
The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Inverordon RNLI is based in Shore Road, Invergordon, IV18 0EX. and was established in 1974 and operates from the Cromarty Firth, covering a wide stretch of the Moray Firth coastline. The volunteer crew provide 24-hour search and rescue services in all weathers.
The Shannon is the RNLI’s newest class of all-weather lifeboat and the first to be powered by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making it highly manoeuvrable and capable of operating in shallow waters. With a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles, it ensures rapid response to emergencies along the coastline and offshore.
Agnes AP Barr joined the Invergordon station in 2020, replacing the Trent-class lifeboat Douglas Aikman Smith.
RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact:
Michael MacDonald Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Invergordon RNLI,
01349 853915, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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