Late-night hot tub in Dunnet Bay sparks rescue call-out for Thurso lifeboat volunteers
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Rescuers in Thurso were in for a surprise at their latest shout over the weekend – when a floating hot tub was spotted in Dunnet Bay.
It sparked a warning from RNLI volunteers to take safety at sea seriously after the crew were called in to work out if anyone was missing during the late-night drama.
The object, which was initially unidentified, was reported to the RNLI in Thurso, who launched the lifeboat at 12.10am on Saturday. The lifeboat was requested as support to HM Coastguard at Scrabster and Police Scotland.
A spokesman for Thurso RNLI said that while The Taylors was making its way to the scene it was established that three or four local men had been seen carrying what looked like an inflatable hot tub to the beach.
The lifeboat arrived on scene at 12.25am but they were unable to spot the object and nothing was showing on the radar. A crew member then found the tub using thermal binoculars, because the air in the tub would have been warmer that the sea temperature.
The tub was about half a mile from shore, floating upright, and was empty.
Volunteers continued searching until they were stood down at 12.55am. On returning to Scrabster the crew were informed that it had been established that some men were seen in the tub while it was in the water and these men had so far not been traced.
The Taylors remained on standby until a short time later when the crew were informed that the men had been traced safe and well. It is understood they were afloat in the tub but abandoned the tub and swam ashore.
The lifeboat was stood down at 1.30 am.
Thurso RNLI said the incident provided an opportunity "to remind the public that if they are planning to take to the water, do it in daylight, make sure that they inform someone of their plans, wear personal floating devices, make sure that the floating device is suitable and always make sure you have a way to call for help".
Coxswain Andy Pearson said the incident eventually had a positive outcome but there were many things that could have led to a very different outcome.
The hot tub – which had black tape repairs on its base – was taken to the RNLI station at Scrabster to see if its owner can be traced.
The RNLI encourages people to report anything that looks suspicious at sea or could be a danger to shipping to HM Coastguard.
Meanwhile, Thurso RNLI has raised nearly £400 at a watersports day organised by Pentland Yacht Club. The organisation received a donation of £250 from the club and raised a further £148 from the sale of clothing and souvenirs at the event last Saturday, June 17.
The RNLI shop in Thurso is closed until Wednesday, July 5, and is appealing for shop assistants to help out.
