Unknown Helicopter winches rock stranded divers - Scotland

[DandyDon]

Divers winched from rocks by rescue helicopter after becoming stranded

Three divers became stuck on rocks during rough seas and strong winds.

news.stv.tv

Three divers had to be rescued by helicopter after becoming stranded on rocks near Dunoon.

HM Coastguard requested help from Helensburgh lifeboat around 12.40pm on Sunday to assist the three divers stuck on the Gantock Rocks off Dunoon.

Crews described the weather conditions as “challenging” due to rough seas and strong winds before launching the lifeboat.

The lifeboat arrived at the rocks around 2pm using the shelter of the Kilcreggan coastline.

The casualties were then winched to safety by the Coastguard helicopter, and the lifeboat was stood from.

A Helensburgh spokesperson added: “The lifeboat launched at 1.30pm and slowly made its way along the shelter of the Kilcreggan coastline before crossing to the Dunoon area.

Howard Morrison, Lifeboat operations manager, said: “Given the weather conditions at the time, we made a careful assessment of the situation before deciding to launch.

“The wind was very strong, over Force 8 at times. Fortunately, the three people were winched to safety.

“We have had some strong winds in the past few weeks and we urge people to stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and check the weather forecast and tide times before venturing out on the water or coastal walks.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard added: “Three divers reported to be in difficulty on the Gantocks rocks off Dunoon at about 12.40pm on December 22 were winched to safety by the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick.

“The three people were met on land, safe and well, by Dunoon Coastguard Rescue Team. The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Helensburgh and Police Scotland also attended.”

 

[Edward3c]

They’ve been charged, see here.

 

[DandyDon]

They’ve been charged, see here.

That would be unlikely over here. The argument is that charging people for stupid mistakes would discourage calls for help.

 

[Edward3c]

That would be unlikely over here. The argument is that charging people for stupid mistakes would discourage calls for help.

It unknown in the U.K. as well.

 

[Searcaigh]

Going out in a RIB in a Force 8 is just stupidity.

Manoeuvring a helicopter in these conditions must have been challenging.

 

[coldwaterglutton]

In the west, you get charged the cost of a rescue which can be $50,000 if they bring out a chopper. Usually doesn't matter if it's your fault or not, rescue = cost. So you buy a fishing license for $10 which includes one free rescue.

 

[rjack321]

In the west, you get charged the cost of a rescue which can be $50,000 if they bring out a chopper. Usually doesn't matter if it's your fault or not, rescue = cost. So you buy a fishing license for $10 which includes one free rescue.

None of this is true or accurate in North America

 

[gregbenson314]

I'm not sure if this is a UK Vs US language difference, but in the UK, in this context, being charged means being accused of a crime and having to face a judge etc.

 

[ChrisMBC]

This is quite interesting. The outdoor climbing/skiing community in Scotland has seen a notable increase in reckless conduct cases referred by Stirling police in Scotland. I’m not certain, but I strongly suspect that the Clyde (which seems to be around where these people were rescued) would fall under the same police jurisdiction.

These charges are not the norm in the UK, especially since Mountain Rescue and the RNLI are both volunteer organizations, there’s less of a cost-recovery motive than you see for SAR (especially in mainland Europe). The west side of Scotland (especially Ben Nevis, Ben Lomond) has had to bear an uptick in ‘stupid’ outdoor accidents requiring rescue in the past 1-2 decades, but criminally charging people requiring rescue is absolutely not the norm in the UK.

 

[coldwaterglutton]

None of this is true or accurate in North America

Yeah you should brush up then. Give a ring to Classic Air in western Colorado or Vernal and see what they charge for putting their chopper up and pulling you out. Basic SAR is free, and the helicopter operator donates hours to the SAR team for search, but if they pull you out the air rescue is most certainly not free. You'd be impressed by the bill