Multi-Agency search launched off Skye after emergency beacon activates

Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen was launched at 6.00pm, along with Mallaig and Portree lifeboats, a UK Coastguard helicopter and multiple ground based Coastguard teams, after a vessel’s emergency beacon began transmitting in the area between Kyle of Lochalsh and Broadford.

Kyle lifeboat immediately began a search of the expected position of the beacon, as other assets made their way to the scene. As the search progressed, further information was received which seemed to suggest the emergency signal may be coming from the shore, and not out at sea. Eventually the signal was pinpointed to a malfunctioning beacon onboard a vessel which was in a local boat yard for the winter.

Once it was confirmed that the emergency signal received was coming from the defective beacon, the search was stood down and Kyle lifeboat returned to station. The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 7:45pm

Speaking of the incident, a Kyle RNLI spokesperson said: ‘Although this was a false alarm, it shows the importance of having an EPIRB onboard your vessel, and the difference it can make in an emergency. Within minutes of the signal being received the Coastguard were able to task multiple agencies to the scene to begin searching the area ’.

Notes to editors

· Please credit the library picture to Kyle RNLI

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