Lifeboat crewman airlifted to hospital during yacht rescue
(Picture: Craig Taylor)
A crewman from Kirkwall Lifeboat was airlifted to hospital in Shetland as a precaution last night, after landing in the water during the rescue of a yacht in which lifeboats from both Kirkwall and Stromness were involved.
The lifeboats had been called to the aid of the yacht Globelle which was in difficulties between Eday and Stronsay, suffering from damaged rigging in force 6 winds.
Kirkwall Lifeboat was initially called out to the yacht, with Stromness Lifeboat later called to assist.
It was during the towing process of the yacht that a crewman from Kirkwall Lifeboat ended up in the water.
He was recovered from the sea and transferred to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick by a Coastguard rescue helicopter as a precaution.
Meanwhile, Kirkwall Lifeboat towed the yacht into Kirkwall Marina, with Stromness Lifeboat keeping close by.
As the lifeboats approached Kirkwall Harbour, Stromness Lifeboat transferred two crew onto the Kirkwall Lifeboat to help bring the yacht alongside, and to moor the yacht in the Kirkwall Marina.
Arriving alongside shortly after 11pm, they were met by Kirkwall Coastguard Rescue Team. Both lifeboats then returned to station.
The lifeboat crewman was later released from hospital and flew back to Orkney this morning.