Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat crew battles two-metre waves during first shout of 2025
Lifeboat crew members battled two-metre waves after being scrambled on Loch Ness to reports of a yacht dragging its mooring in strong winds.
The RNLI’s Loch Ness lifeboat was called out to the incident at Loch Dochfour on Wednesday - its first shout of 2025.
Kieron Tarling, volunteer helm at Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat station, said: “The lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard who had received a request from Police Scotland to assess the situation of a small yacht at Loch Dochfour.
“The casualty vessel appeared to be dragging its mooring in strong winds and drifting down the loch.
“Despite strong winds and large waves hampering our speed slightly, we reached the vessel in around 25 minutes. The lifeboat moved alongside the vessel and a member of the crew checked the vessel to confirm there were no casualties on board.
“The buoy and mooring lines were also checked and it was confirmed they were holding fast despite being tested by a strong flow of water pushing the boat backwards.
“As helm, I assessed the situation before making the decision that towing the vessel from its mooring would not be necessary. The mooring was a safe distance from the main channel and so the vessel was not a direct hazard to other passing vessels.
“The crew’s return to the lifeboat station was more challenging as we faced two metre waves rolling in sets.
“At times, the front of the lifeboat lifted around five metres in the air before dropping back down which showed the tough conditions that the crew often face on Loch Ness.
“Our training and more than capable B-class lifeboat ensured the crew and lifeboat made it back to the station with everyone safe and well.”
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