Family rescued after loch capsize 16/2/13
Stornoway Coastguard co-ordinated the rescue of three people from the water in Loch
Torridon, Wester Ross after their boat capsized this morning.
The adult and two children had been dinghy sailing in the nearby Loch Diabaig when
their vessel capsized, throwing all three into water.
The casualties were recovered by the fishing vessel Irene K and taken ashore where
the paramedic from Stornoway rescue helicopter examined them and found that one of
the children was showing signs of mild hypothermia. The child was then transferred
to the care of the ambulance service
The alarm was raised via a 999 call to Stornoway Coastguard just before 12 noon.
The caller described seeing people on the upturned hull of a capsized vessel out
on the loch. He was able to keep watching and provide updates. Stornoway Coastguard
issued a distress broadcast to alert other vessels in the area.
The fishing vessels Wanderer and Boy Ryan responded immediately and the coastguard
rescue helicopter from Stornoway and Kyle RNLI Inshore Lifeboat were sent to the
scene.
Murdo Macaulay, Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager said: "Two of the casualties were
wearing lifejackets, although the third was not.
“Recreational sailors should wear lifejackets at all times whilst on deck. These
should be well maintained and should have a spray hood, light and whistle.
“You must ensure the lifejacket has a crotch strap and use it. If you do find yourself
unexpectedly in the water, even for a very short time, it is essential to get yourself
medical attention since hypothermia can be deceptively difficult to spot."