| UK. Helicopter scrambled as charter vessel on rocks starts to list |
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| Thursday, 18 May 2006 | |
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Coastguard news: Just after 2am this morning, Stornoway Coastguard received a 999 call from the 28 metre charter vessel 'Popular Voyager' reporting that the vessel had run aground on a reef in Loch Glencoull on the Northwest coast of mainland Scotland. Stornoway Coastguard tasked the Lochinver RNLI Lifeboat and Scourie Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene. The twelve passengers and two crew were initially reported in no immediate danger, but the vessel subsequently began to list as the tide ebbed. Stornoway Coastguard Helicopter 'Rescue Mike Uniform' was scrambled and the vessel's skipper was advised to evacuate. All twelve passengers were evacuated to the Lifeboat and landed for refuge at the adjacent Kylesku Hotel. Scourie Coastguard Rescue Team assisted in the evacuation to the Lifeboat. The Coastguard Helicopter remained on scene until Lochinver Lifeboat returned to the scene to await flood tide, when attempts will be made to re-float the vessel with the two remaining crew members. Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager, Angus Murray, said, "Conditions were favourable with slight sea conditions but with strong winds from adjacent mountains apparently causing the vessel to drag its anchor. The skipper acted promptly and evacuation from the vessel was undertaken in an orderly and professional manner by all units concerned. All passengers are fortunately reported to be safe and well with no injuries sustained." |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 18 May 2006 ) |
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