Lochinver lifeboat joins rescue helicopter and ferry in search after Coastguard receives distress signal from personal locater beacon
A lifeboat, a CalMac ferry and a helicopter were all involved in a search today (Friday, July 4), after someone was believed to be in trouble at sea off Ullapool.
Coastguards received a distress signal broadcasting from a personal locator beacon in the Summer Isles area.
Lochinver RNLI lifeboat launched shortly after 11am, making best speed to the search position in fresh south westerly winds, and arrived around 35 minutes later.
Stornoway Coastguard search and rescue helicopter also sped from its base to the scene.
The lifeboat and rescue helicopter commenced a search of the area.
MV Loch Seaforth, which had departed Ullapool, altered its course to the north and assisted in the search, as did three other vessels that responded to the coastguard’s Mayday call.
Search conditions were difficult due to poor visibility and wave height.
After around 30 minutes, the personal locater beacon was located and thankfully it was found that no one was in need of assistance.
Rescue units were stood down and the ferry was released from the incident.
