Date: 20 Nov 2003
Time: 12:39
On 11 October 2003, at 10.30 a.m., Clyde Coastguard (UK) received a call on channel 16 from the skipper of a tug situated south west off the Isle Islay, requesting help and medical assistance. Whilst the tug was towing a barge, one of the tow ropes had separated from the barge and hit one of the crew.
Clyde Coastguard scrambled a rescue helicopter from RNAS Prestwick to the scene as well as requesting the launch of Islay and Portrush lifeboats. The Coastguard rescue team at Port Charlotte was also tasked.
“The casualty was airlifted to Southern General Hospital in Glasgow to receive medical attention,” confirmed Colin Lockhead of Clyde Coastguard.
The barge started drifting three miles off the coast of the Isle of Islay and the crews of the lifeboats and tug were endeavouring to reunite the barge with the tug, shortly after the medical evacuation of the casualty.
The weather on scene was south west winds force 4 with good visibility.