Tragedy averted after man is found in water

AN UNUSUAL and potentially tragic scenario played out in Tobermory earlier this month.

A man was spotted sleeping on the island’s RNLI boarding boat, which is situated approximately 25 metres from the shore.

Upon waking up, he attempted to start the engine but was hauled to shore by the lifeboat skipper after being found to be soaking wet.

The man was taken to the lifeboat station, where he received emergency care.

The skipper later discovered a small boat on the beach filled with water, which, it is believed, the man used and capsized, falling into the water when tring to get onto the boarding boat.

Tobermory RNLI Skipper, David McHaffie, said: ‘This incident could so easily have turned into a tragedy. Cold water is a real killer. People often don’t realise how cold our seas can be – even in summer months the sea temperature rarely exceeds 12 degrees, which is low enough to trigger cold-water shock.

‘If you enter the water suddenly at that temperature, you’ll start gasping uncontrollably, which can draw water into your lungs and cause drowning.

‘The coldness also numbs you, leaving you helpless – unable to swim or shout for help.

‘The RNLI is urging everyone but particularly men aged 18 to 40 to respect the water.’