TWO MEN CLING TO UPTURNED BOAT EAST OF SHETLAND

Two men have been rescued from an upturned boat this afternoon, east of Shetland.

At Shetland Coastguard were informed initially by the Northern Constabulary, at Inverness of a maritime incident, but information was sparse. They referred to person(s) clinging to an upturned boat east of Shetland. Fortunately a second ‘999’ call came in, direct to the Coastguard from a member of the public who had spoken with the crew of the upturned boat, this call gave a clearer picture of the circumstances and the location of the two men. The coastguard was then able to request the launch of the Lerwick RNLI lifeboat and request help from vessels in the area. Coastguard Rescue Officers from Sullom Voe were also requested to attend the area.

Alex Wylie, Watch Manager, Shetland Coastguard, says:

“The ferry ‘Daggri’ operating from the Island of Yell was able to deploy its fast rescue craft which quickly located the two men in the water clinging to their upturned boat. In addition the ferry ‘Dagalien’ assisted by deploying their rescue craft to tow the upturned boat to the shore. The lifeboat was stood down. The two men were taken from the sea and a third man was retrieved from the Island of Bigga; they were all taken to Toft in Shetland where they were met by Sullom Voe Coastguard Team, and an ambulance who could better assess whether medical attention was necessary.

We would like to remind the public if they know of or witness an incident on or around the coast to not call 999 and ask for the coastguard. You can do this even if you have no credit on your phone or if the phone is locked. Tell the coastguard what the problem is and give as much information as you can. You may need to stay on the line to direct them to the scene. 
If you are out in your boat always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return and remember to update them if your plans change.  
We recommend boat users to join the coastguard’s Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme CG66. If you then get into difficulty the coastguard will have information that may assist in your search and rescue.  The scheme is free and is for the benefit of the owners and skippers of all types of leisure vessels and small craft. For more information visit www.dft.gov.uk/mca or contact your local coastguard station.”


Notes to Editors:

  • Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch
                                                                                                                     
  • Follow us on Twitter. We can be found at  MCA_media

  • The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities  http://www.seavisionuk.org/

                                                                          

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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