RNLI tipped to take over Loch Ness rescue service
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Inland Waterways
Article Date: 2007-10-16
View Count: 742
New plans could see the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) take over the operation of the rescue service at Drumnadrochit, serving Loch Ness.
Operations at Drumnadrochit are currently run by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), an executive agency of the department for transport, but the organisation approached the RNLI in late 2006 with a proposal to hand over control to the charity.
The RNLI currently operates 52 lifeboats in Scotland, including four on inland waters, and if the plans become a reality, it could take over the Loch Ness service by April of 2008.
Nick Bryant, coastguard area operations manager for East Scotland, said: "Boat traffic on Loch Ness is increasing and the rescue boat service that has previously been provided by the MCA, after an evaluation period, would be handed over to the RNLI who with their comprehensive lifeboat support infrastructure are better placed to provide the rescue boat service on the loch.
"We believe this is a sensible move and I would like to place on record our thanks to all those coastguard volunteers who have given up their time to crew the rescue boat in the last ten years and provided an excellent service."
John Caldwell, divisional inspector for the RNLI in Scotland added: "We believe a strong operational case exists for a lifeboat on Loch Ness, which is the largest body of fresh water in Britain.
"We very much look forward to working with the dedicated members of the current volunteer coastguard crew, who we hope will choose to transfer to the RNLI to ensure the continuity of the search and rescue service on Loch Ness all year round."
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