Late-night swimmers rescued

Two people were rescued from the water at Inganess Bay in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Coastguard received a report of two people in the water just before 1.50am and sent the Kirkwall Coastguard rescue team and Kirkwall lifeboat to the scene, along with the search and rescue helicopter from Shetland.

Arriving at the scene, a Coastguard rescue swimmer swam out 70 metres before reaching the casualties. Both were brought ashore, where they were met by waiting paramedics and transferred to Balfour Hospital.

During the rescue the Coastguard swimmer was taken to the hospital but later released.

Andy Graham, of 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.”

He added: “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.”