Divers in river rescue drama

Elaine Grundy • Published 7 Sep 2010 14:00

TWO divers were taken to hospital yesterday after running into difficulties off Gourock.

A dramatic rescue operation was launched at around 11.30am following reports the father and son were in trouble.

The pair, who have not been named but are understood to live locally, were diving near Ashton Road. They ran into problems as they surfaced and the alarm was raised by a member of the public.

The father managed to hold on to his boat and was rescued by Helensburgh RNLI, while the son made it to shore unaided.

Peter Stewart, sector manager for Clyde Coastguard, said: “They had been diving for an hour when the weather conditions changed. As they were surfacing they lost orientation and got into trouble. One held on to the boat and the other came ashore.”

The medical services sought advice from an expert at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the divers were taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital by ambulance for preventative treatment.

Clyde Coastguard was assisted during the incident by Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team and the Helensburgh Lifeboat. Royal Naval Helicopter 177 was called out but was not used. The Kilcreggan ferry was the first vessel on the scene and the crew stood by until the incident was concluded.

A witnesss told the Tele: “I saw the Gourock Ferry doing a U-turn.

“It came to a halt then the Kilcreggan ferry appeared among the yachts from the yacht club and I could see a figure in the water.”

A spokesman for Caledonian MacBrayne said crew on MV Jupiter had been heading out of Gourock when the incident happened. They were ready to assist but were not required as the coastguard had the situation under control.

There was a slight delay for ferry passengers before the vessel carried on its service as normal.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 07 Sep 10

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