Loch Ness RNLI launch rescue to save three stranded kayakers
RNLI Loch Ness crew members rescued three kayakers who were in distress on June 20.
The kayakers found themselves stranded around one nautical mile south of the Lochside Hostel at Alltsigh.
The RNLI Loch Ness Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV lifeboat launched at 5.34pm with four volunteer crew members.
Kieron Tarling, volunteer helm for Loch Ness RNLI, said: ‘Due to strong winds and large waves, the kayakers found themselves stranded on the shore and unable to paddle back to the youth hostel.
“The casualties were unsure of their location and distance to the road, so we were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist.
“We quickly located the casualties, but due to the rocky shoreline and challenging weather conditions, the lifeboat could not reach the shore and so a volunteer crew member was dropped as close as possible and waded ashore to assess their condition.
“All of the casualties were safe and dry and had reached the shore in their kayaks without entering the water.
“The owner of the rented kayaks had also been called and had reached the scene from the road shortly after our arrival.
“As it transpired, the casualties were close enough to the road to be able to walk to the kayak owner’s vehicle who then transported them back to the youth hostel before later returning to collect the kayaks.
“As soon as the casualties were in safe hands, our volunteer crew member was recovered back to the lifeboat, and we returned to the station.
“Conditions can change very quickly on Loch Ness, especially in strong winds, and we’re glad that the kayakers made it safely to shore before we reached the scene and that it was another positive outcome.”
