Rescue volunteers saved lives this summer
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LIFESAVING volunteers from Findhorn were recently called out to sea six times in seven days.
Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) assisted with the half-dozen incidents successfully and no one was injured or worse.
Operations manager Peter Mackenzie said: "Summer is always a busy time for MIRO, however, this year is the first time we have been called out three times in one day! Luckily everyone was rescued.
"Whilst we want everyone to enjoy our coastal waters and beaches, I would urge everyone to be safe and be aware of the currents and tides as their strength and speed can often take people by surprise."
On Tuesday, July 23 at 8.47pm, MIRO were requested by Aberdeen Coastguard to attend four youths on paddle boards fighting the tide in Findhorn Bay off Elderslie. They were accounted for after making their own way to safety. Burghead Coastguard, Nairn Coastguard and MIRO shore crew also attended.
MIRO were tasked by Aberdeen Coastguard three times on Thursday, July 25. The first call out of the day was at 11.40am to attend a report of a dog in the water near the beach. The crew responded but were stood down as the dog was recovered. Then at 3.36pm MIRO attended a report of person on a bodyboard a mile off Hopeman. MIRO Rescue, RNLI Buckie and two North 58 boats attended - RNLI Buckie ensured the casualty was safe and well. Finally, MIRO were called at 6.35pm to attend a report of an inflatable seen heading out to sea off Lochloy Caravan Park, Nairn. A crew attended and found burst unicorn and swan inflatables, as well as a football a mile offshore. A thorough search was carried out but when nothing further was found, MIRO rescue was stood down and returned to base.
On Friday, July 26 the MIRO crew were paged by Aberdeen Coastguard at 5.48pm to attend the report of a group who had been cut off by the tide at Nairn. MIRO arrived at the bar at Kingsteps and recovered three extremely cold people. The casualties, who had been stranded for over two hours, were recovered and taken to Nairn harbour where they were met by teams from the Scottish Ambulance Service, Nairn and Burghead Coastguards.
Finally, on Monday, July 29, MIRO were paged at 11.05pm by Aberdeen Coastguard and asked to attend a report of two people being cut off by the tide on the East bar in Nairn. The crew travelled through fog to Nairn and upon arrival were assisted by Nairn Coastguard. Two MIRO crew members alighted from the rescue boat onto the shore and searched of the area. The casualties were found after five minutes and taken on board MIRO Rescue. They were then transferred onto the larger Invergordon RNLI lifeboat to warm up before getting back on MIRO Rescue and taken into Nairn Harbour where they were met by Nairn Coastguard, Police Scotland and their grateful parents. Both casualties were treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service. MIRO Rescue returned to Findhorn where she was refuelled and made ready for service shortly after 2am.
MIRO chairman, John Low, said: "We are very proud of our crew and shore support volunteers who give up their time to train and attend incidents day and night throughout the year. I thank them sincerely for their contribution to rescuing people in difficulty and saving lives."
Anyone who sees a person or an animal in trouble on the water should call 999 and ask for the coastguard. If the person or animal manages to make their own way to safety before rescue services arrive, call the coastguard to let them know that assistance is no longer required.
