STORNOWAY COASTGUARD HELP PEOPLE STRANDED IN MOOR FIRES

Stornoway Coastguard has been coordinating assistance to some people stranded due to moor fires this holiday weekend.

With the west coast of Scotland basking in glorious weather, the hills and coastlines have seen large numbers of visitors taking the opportunity to get out and enjoy the area. Unfortunately there have been several large moor fires and Stornoway Coastguard scrambled the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter, sent the Mallaig Coastguard Rescue Team and requested the Mallaig RNLI lifeboat to launch and rescue some people who became trapped by the fires this afternoon.

The Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 100 was initially scrambled to airlift two walkers at this afternoon who had become trapped in fires on Liathach Mountain in the Torridon range. Once the two had been rescued, the helicopter picked up a Torridon mountain rescue team member and a Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue service officer to check the extent of the fire. A further four people and a dog were found and rescued before the helicopter was diverted to another area to check for further walkers.

At around the same time, Stornoway Coastguard received a call from the Northern Constabulary requesting help for a woman. The Coastguard requested the Mallaig RNLI lifeboat to launch and rescue the 27 year old woman whose campsite had been encircled by fires in the remote Western tip of the Ardnish Peninsula, Loch Ailort. They rescued both her and her equipment before becoming involved in a search of the peninsula, along with the Coastguard helicopter and Mallaig Coastguard Rescue Team to ensure there were no other walkers trapped in the area due to substantial fires which were fast moving across the peninsula.

All of the teams were released by Stornoway Coastguard at with a total of seven people and one dog rescued.

Watch Manager Murdo Macaulay said “We have been pleased to work with our colleagues in the Mountain Rescue Service, Northern Constabulary and the Highlands and Islands fire and rescue service to rescue these people today.”


-Ends-
 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

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