Peterhead RNLI launched to provide safety cover for cliffside casualty

Peterhead RNLI’s volunteer crew launched their lifeboat at 5:11pm on Saturday 3 May following reports of a person who had fallen onto a cliffside, with the potential need for evacuation by sea.

On arrival at the scene, local coastguard teams and paramedics were already in attendance and administering first aid to the casualty. Due to the challenging location, it was decided that the safest option was to provide safety cover from the water while awaiting the arrival of the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, Coastguard 151.

The lifeboat remained on scene throughout the helicopter winch operation, standing by to offer assistance if required. Once the casualty was safely airlifted and all personnel were clear of the cliffside, the lifeboat was stood down.

The crew returned to station and the lifeboat was refuelled, cleaned, and made ready for service again by 7:40pm.

Kyle Murray, Peterhead RNLI station coxswain says: 'This was a great example of teamwork between the emergency services. Our role on this occasion was to provide cover from the water in case anything changed, and we were ready to act if needed. We're always prepared to respond, and it's reassuring to know that when incidents like this happen, everyone pulls together to ensure the best outcome.'

Notes to editors

• The attached pictures show the charity lifeboats location while providing safety cover from the water, and an image of the stations lifeboat recently heading out of harbour for training.

• Peterhead lifeboat station has been operating since 1865. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/peterhead-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

For further information please contact:

Sarah Weir, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Peterhead RNLI on [email protected]

Natasha Rushby Regional Communications Manager for Scotland on 07826 900639 or email [email protected]

Martin Macnamara Regional Communications Lead for Scotland on 07920 365929 or email [email protected]

RNLI Press Office 01202 336789 or pressoffice@rnli

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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