Loch Ness RNLI hosts multi-vessel training session during solar eclipse

The training exercise involved Loch Ness Cruises, Castle Cruises Loch Ness and Beastie Boats who all operate on Loch Ness. Multiple members of the volunteer crew at RNLI Loch Ness made their way to Dores and rotated on the RNLI Loch Ness Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV lifeboat to simulate a multi-vessel search.

More than 30 of the crew’s family and friends also attended the exercise as passengers on the three commercial tour vessels whilst the partial solar eclipse took place overhead.

Kieron Tarling, volunteer Helm and Training Co-ordinator at Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘This was not only a valuable training exercise for the crew but also a fantastic opportunity to join forces with commercial vessels on the loch. We’re extremely grateful to Loch Ness Cruises, Castle Cruises Loch Ness and Beastie Boats for taking part in many of our training exercises and for the additional support they often offer the crew when we are tasked to callouts.

‘A special mention should also go to crew member Rachel who recently passed out as an Inshore Lifeboat Navigator. During the exercise, she coordinated all four vessels which was no easy task. It was an excellent opportunity for her to put her new skills into practice, which she did perfectly.

‘Although the weather conditions didn’t allow for a clear view of the eclipse, the exercise was a great evening for the family and friends of our crew who joined us on the night. RNLI volunteers are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and without the support of our families and friends we wouldn’t be able to continue the RNLI’s vital work to save lives.’

Ends

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

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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]

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