Loch Ness RNLI launches to assist hire cruiser
On Sunday 27 July, the Loch Ness RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched to assist a small motor cruiser which had run aground on a sandbar in Urquhart Bay harbour.
Four volunteer crew members from Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station launched the Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV lifeboat and made their way towards the cruiser which was stranded just metres from the lifeboat station.
Chris Nicolson, volunteer Helm at Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘The lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard to assist a a small hire cruiser which had run aground nearby after misidentifying the harbour buoyage and running aground on a sandbar. During the casualties’ attempts to free the boat, a rope had also become stuck in the propeller but fortunately, no-one on board was injured. We made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties. We established a tow to pull the cruiser back to the harbour where the cruiser was safely moored and the occupants were able to continue with their holiday.
‘The summer months are always a busy time and we’ve seen a large amount of hire cruisers exploring Loch Ness. It’s great to see people getting out onto the water but it’s important to always study navigational aids closely to ensure safe berthing for boats of all sizes. We’re glad this was another positive outcome for all involved.’
Notes to editors
· Loch Ness lifeboat station has been operating since 2008. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Loch Ness Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations
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Lynsey Macready-Morgan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
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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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