Late night swimmers rescued
Two people have been rescued from the water in the early
hours of this morning at Inganess Bay, Orkney.
The UK Coastguard was contacted just before 1:50am this
morning (31.05.15) by the Scottish ambulance service who had received a report
of two people in the water at Inganess Bay.
The Kirkwall Coastguard rescue team and RNLI lifeboat were
sent to the scene along with the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from
Shetland.
The Coastguard rescue team were first to arrive on scene and
the Coastguard rescue swimmer entered the water, he swam out 70m before
reaching the causalities. Both were brought ashore where they were met by
waiting paramedics and transferred to Balfour Hospital.
During the rescue the Coastguard rescue swimmer inhaled sea
water, he was also checked over by paramedics and taken to the hospital where
he was later released.
Andy Graham, Shetland Coastguard said:
“I would advise against people entering the water at night, the
sea may look calm but strong currents can cause hidden dangers. You should always check tidal conditions and
when possible swim at a beach where a lifeguard is present.
"The coastguard rescue swimmer who went into the water should
be praised for his bravery, without him the rescue tonight could have easily
had a very different outcome.”