Lifeboat goes to aid of stricken diver at Loch Aline

A diver suffering from decompression sickness was rescued by Oban lifeboat on Saturday evening.

The female diver was located at Loch Aline around 6.30pm when she began to suffer from the conditions known as ‘the bends’.

The local lifeboat crew was requested by the UK coastguard in an effort to bring the casualty safely back to shore.

After launching, the lifeboat made contact with the dive vessel and requested that they make best speed towards Oban with the intention of meeting up with Oban Lifeboat. The two vessels met in the Sound of Mull where the diver was transferred to the lifeboat and was cared for by the lifeboat crew.

The crew were met at the lifeboat berth around 7.40pm by paramedics who swiftly transferred the woman to Oban, Lorn and the Isles Hospital for further treatment.

Her condition remains unknown.

Meanwhile, the crew were called out for a second time yesterday morning to assist a stranded yacht. The vessel was near Lismore lighthouse around 10am when it became stranded.

The lifeboat crew towed the yacht back to shore and all on board were confirmed to be safe and well.