Two rescued as small boat overturns

TWO MEN were rescued from the waters of Yell Sound on Sunday afternoon after their small pleasure boat had capsized.

Both Yell Sound ferries, the Daggri and the Dagalien, went to the rescue after emergency services had picked up two 999 calls, just before 4pm.

The two were found by the crew of the rescue boat of the ferry Daggri clinging to their upturned boat south of the island of Bigga.

They were taken to the ferry terminal in Toft to a waiting ambulance for a medical check-up.

A third man was retrieved from the island of Bigga. It is understood that the men had been collecting sheep from the small island, and that some sheep were lost when the boat capsized.

Lerwick lifeboat was also launch but stood down before reaching the scene of the incident.

Emergency services had initially received a call from a mobile phone saying that a small boat had overturned somewhere at the east of Shetland.

Fortunately a second 999 call came in from a member of the public who had spoken with the crew of the upturned boat. This call gave a clearer picture of the circumstances and the location of the two men.

The ferry service across the sound was disrupted for a time.

Alex Wylie, watch manager at Shetland Coastguard said: “We would like to remind the public if they know of or witness an incident on or around the coast to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

“You can do this even if you have no credit on your phone or if the phone is locked. Tell the coastguard what the problem is and give as much information as you can. You may need to stay on the line to direct them to the scene.

“We recommend boat users to join the coastguard’s Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme CG66. If you then get into difficulty the coastguard will have information that may assist in your search and rescue.”

Meanwhile, the crew of the Skerries ferry Filla observed a red fare on Guy Fawkes Night and realised this was for real and that a vessel was in distress.

They quickly located the Chrystal Ann, which had broken down half way between Skerries and Whalsay. There was one person on board.

The stricken vessel was later towed to Symbister by the Valdar.

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