Salmon farm workers on the west coast have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” to save people stranded on Loch Torridon.
Members of staff from The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) have downed tools in recent weeks to rescue three stranded kayakers and a stranded fishing vessel on the water.
Marine Operatives Tom Charles Edwards, Gregor Oliver and Joseph Finlayson were working at the Aird site when they noticed someone in the water near the entrance to the loch.
Due to poor weather conditions, the team crossed the loch to reach the individual but discovered two people in the water, while a third had managed to reach the shore without assistance.
Calling in a second boat which was being used by Ross-Shire Diving Services (RSD) at the time, the trio rescued the individuals and their kayaks before taking them back to Kenmore.
Alfie Edwards, Applecross Coastguard said: “A huge thank you is due to the fish farm staff for their quick actions, which helped to stop the incident becoming more serious.”
Staff at Loch Torridon also helped to rescue a stranded elderly couple and their dog aboard their fishing boat the ‘Blue Mist’ which had run aground near the rocky shoreline after suffering engine failure.
Peter Roberts and Joseph Finlayson, marine operatives at SSC sites Sgeir Dughall and Aird, were travelling to the Kenmore shore base when they received a request for assistance from the vessel.
The team attended the scene before successfully towing them back to shore.
Odd Eliasen, chief executive Officer at The Scottish Salmon Company, said: “Their actions meant that both of situations were brought under control quickly, rescuing five people from two terrifying incidents.”
