STORNOWAY RECOVER TWO MEN AND THEIR DOGS FROM WATER

This afternoon Stornoway Coastguard received a 999 call reporting two men in the water at Loch Linnhe Marina, near Appin.
 
The two men, along with their two dogs had been transporting sheep between the mainland and Shuna Island, Loch Linnhe. Their 16ft vessel had capsized, throwing them into the water.
 
Oban lifeboat was launched, two local vessels also attended the scene to offer assistance. The men were  wearing buoyancy aids, one drifted ashore, the other was recovered into one of the assiting marina boats.
 
Appin Coast Rescue Team recovered and secured the capsized vessel discovering one of the dogs, alive and well but trapped in an air pocket underneath the boat. The other dog swum ashore, unfortunately none of the sheep survived.
 
Both casualties were taken by ambulance to Lorne and Islands hospital in Oban where one is being treated for hypothermia.
Martin Collins, Watch Manager said:
These two shepherds have had a lucky escape today, given the temperature of the water at this time of year. They were aided by the use of the buoyancy aids they were wearing.
The Appin Coastguard Team only discovered the dog when they were securing the upturned boat. The dog had been in the water for about and hour but has suffered no ill effects by the experience.
This was a good outcome to what could have had a tragic ending.

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