Kessock RNLI crew called out to help with police search in the Friars Bridge area of Inverness
Emergency services were called out in Inverness this morning following a report from someone who was concerned for the welfare of another person.
Kessock RNLI volunteers launched at around 1.08am to help officers from the coastguard with the police-led operation.
A police spokeswoman confirmed the search was in the Friars Bridge and River Ness areas and the person was safely traced.
Once the situation was resolved the lifeboat was stood down and was back at the North Kessock base by 3.01am.
Kenneth Foggo, the station's deputy launch authority, said: “Last night’s shout was another successful operation in light of the current coronavirus and the updated RNLI hygiene and distancing protocols.”
New rules, designed to safely observe social distancing and best protect the crew and any casualty, dictate that as soon as the required number of crew members is present at the station for a call-out a message is relayed to the rest of the crew not to attend.
Stuart Gudgeon, area lifesaving manager for the RNLI, said: “The new protocols have changed the way the volunteer lifeboat crew respond to a call to service in many ways.
"In addition to adhering as far as possible to social distancing measures, existing stringent hygiene controls have also been stepped up.
"This has a significant impact on the time required to perform the necessary cleaning methods on the boat and of all personal kit scrupulously. I am delighted with how the Kessock crew performed today – it’s a tremendous reflection of the dedication of the whole crew during these very difficult times for all."
