SEARCH FOR MAN OVERBOARD ON SCOTTISH WEST COAST

A man was recovered from the sea off the Isle of Coll after a search was triggered when his boat was spotted adrift.

At 11.10am Clyde Coastguard was contacted by staff from the local ferry company reporting a small drifting vessel off Arinagour on the Isle of Coll. 

Clyde Coastguard requested Tobermory RNLI lifeboat to launch and nine other vessels joined the search for the man who had been seen going out fishing earlier in the day and was presumed overboard.  A rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth and Coll Coastguard Rescue Team also searched the area. 

The man was found in the water by one of the local boats at 12:30 and was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Oban Lorne and Isles Hospital where he was later declared deceased. 

The casualty was not wearing a lifejacket when found although a lifejacket was found in the water near by.


-Ends-
 Notes to Editors

1.      Carrying a VHF radio on your vessel is vital and VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is strongly recommended. Ensure your radio equipment is fully working and you know what to do in an emergency. With DSC you can send a distress alert along with your exact position, with one touch of the button. The distress alert is repeated every four minutes until it is acknowledged either by a Coastguard Station (Ship to Shore) or by a vessel (Ship to Ship) within radio range.
  1. Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers are programmed into a DSC radio set and an MMSI is issued as part of your radio licence application, via Ofcom. It consists of a series of nine digits, which are used to uniquely identify the radio on your vessel.

  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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