Statement RNLI Longhope Lifeboat

Yesterday 27 November at 14.24, RNLI Longhope Lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to search for a missing diver in Cantick Sound and the surrounding waters of Scapa Flow and the Pentland Firth.

The intense search magnified to involve RNLI Thurso lifeboat, various local vessels, three council tugs, several SAR helicopters, a fixed wing aircraft and a ferry. Local Coastguard Rescue Teams also searched along the shoreline. As night drew in search lights and thermal imaging binoculars were used.

RNLI Longhope lifeboat returned to station at 21.30 to change crew and resumed the search until 01.10 when they were stood down. They returned to station, refuelled and the lifeboat was made ready again for service.

Deputy Coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick said:

‘We are fortunate to have several relief coxswains and a reliable team of volunteer crew members at Longhope, who all worked tirelessly throughout this distressing incident. There was a big response from local vessels, many of which, also searched well into the night.’

The next day the search was resumed by Longhope lifeboat along the west coast of South Ronaldsay, finally returning to station at 16.12 where the boat was made ready again for service.

This is the 16th call out for RNLI Longhope lifeboat this year. Mary Harris

RNLI Thurso Statement

Thurso RNLI lifeboat The Taylors launched at 5.10pm on Wednesday 27th November in response to a request from HM Coastguard to assist in the search for a diver reported missing in the Scapa Flow area.

The Taylors rushed to the scene and started a search pattern at 5.45pm. RNLI Longhope lifeboat, three Scapa based tugs, two local fishing boats, two SAR helicopters and one fixed wing aircraft were also involved in the search.

On board searchlights and thermal image binoculars were used during the search.

The Taylors was stood down at 10 mins past midnight and returned to Scrabster arriving back at 1am on Thursday morning.

The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service.

Those who are familiar with the Marine Traffic AIS ship tracking system can see from the diagram the huge area the Thurso lifeboat covered during the search.