Dunbeg quicksand warning
Dangers of quicksand in Dunstaffnage Bay have been flagged up to residents, writes Kathie Griffiths.
The warning comes from Monday night’s meeting of Dunbeg Community Council.
Community councillors heard that longer-term residents have seen people walking in the low tide areas of the bay, risking getting stuck in quicksand.
With Dunbeg increasing in size as new homes are built and more people move into the area, newer residents could be unaware of the danger.
Community council secretary Linda Robb said: ‘We would like to warn new residents of this danger and to ask them to alert their children.’
Volunteer Oban coastguard Iain MacKinnon said low tide exposes mud flats in the area of the bay between the SAMS lab and Dunstaffnage Marina, running in front of homes on Camus Road.
He said; ‘At low tide the mud flats do sweep round the bay and people could get into trouble. The problem is you don’t know the depth. It could be up to your ankle or up to your armpits. It is best to avoid it.
‘If anyone gets stuck or sees anyone who has become stuck, they should ring 999 immediately. Oban Coastguards have the rescue equipment needed for that kind of situation. It is important for people who are stuck to try and stay calm and not struggle.
‘In my 30-odd years with the coastguard in this area, I’ve never known anyone needing to be rescued from that spot, but it could happen. Best to be forewarned.’