Lifeboat called to yacht off Papay

Kirkwall Lifeboat crew had a lengthy call-out last night, when they were tasked to go to the aid of an injured crew member onboard a yacht off Papa Westray.

The sailing vessel Scarlet Oyster was taking part in a race around Britain when one of the crew onboard suffered a dislocated shoulder.

The lifeboat left Kirkwall shortly after 7.30pm, and met the vessel approximately 15-16 miles north-west off Papa Westray, and then escorted the sailing boat into the shelter of the island, so the casualty could be transferred to the lifeboat, due to the sea conditions.

The casualty was transferred to the lifeboat, received  treatment, and was then taken to Kirkwall, arriving around 1.45am.

An ambulance then took the crew member to hospital. The lifeboat was refueled and ready for service again at 2am.