VISIT TO FINGAL’S CAVE ALMOST ENDS IN DISASTER

A trip to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa almost ended in disaster this afternoon when five people found themselves in the water after the dinghy they were using to visit the caves sunk during its journey to the island.

Clyde Coastguard received a 999 call from one of the visitors at just before telling them that a dingy had sunk at the entrance to one of the caves on Staffa Island and five people were in the water. At the time of the call it was believed that one person was missing but they were subsequently accounted for.

Clyde Coastguard sent both the RNLI All Weather Lifeboat from Tobermory and Royal Navy rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet at Prestwick to the scene and broadcast an alert on Channel 16, which the vessels Island Lass and Iolaire of Iona responded to.

The group of five were reunited with the other seven members of their party on the Fingal’s Cave shore before being taken by helicopter to hospital in Oban. The rest of the party was taken by lifeboat to the Island of Iona.

Tarik Yassin, Coastguard Watch Manager said:
"This group was really lucky. They weren’t sucked into the cave by the rising tide and they had taken the essential precaution of wearing lifejackets.

"This day trip out from Loch Sunart obviously had an unexpected ending but no accident is expected. If you do find yourself in a similar situation you can improve your chances of survival by telling the Coastguard where you are going before you head out on the water, wearing a lifejacket and trying to keeping everyone in the group together until help arrives.”

-Ends –

For further information please contact:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
(023) 8032 9401

Notes to Editors

  1. The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities.  Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org
                          
  1. Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

  1. Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media


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