Loch Ness RNLI crew in 300th rescue after aiding powerboat with engine trouble
A lifesaving RNLI station has marked a big milestone after it carried out its 300th rescue.
The Loch Ness lifeboat’s 300th rescue occurred on Friday, when the crew were scrambled to assist a powerboat with engine failure.
Four volunteer crew members made their way towards Foyers to locate boat, which was in the middle of the loch.
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Simon Cameron, volunteer Helm at Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat station, said: TThe 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 casualties.
“Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call outs to sailing and motor boats, accounting for nearly 20 per cent 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 in 2008. She said: “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.”
