Peterhead RNLI launched to provide safety cover for cliffside casualty

Peterhead RNLI were tasked to launch in aid of a casualty cliffside South of Boddam to provide safety cover and await arrival of Coastguard 151.

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.

Peterhead RNLI launched to provide safety cover for cliffside casualty

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.’