A rescue operation has been launched after a small boat ran aground off the coast of Moray.
Teams from Buckie Lifeboat, Burghead Coastguard Rescue Team and the Moray Independent Rescue Organisation (MIRO) are all in attendance at the scene, half-a-mile east of Hopeman.
IN FULL:
Two men rescued from boat ‘just in time’ as it headed towards rocks
A search and rescue helicopter has also been requested.
Launched from Buckie, Grampian about twenty five minutes ago – https://t.co/MKAKoYuzyH
— RNLI: Out On A Shout (@outonashout) September 9, 2019
A coastguard spokesman said: “We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident just east of Hopeman.
“We were called at 8.06pm.”
UPDATE:
10pm: The two men aboard the vessel have been rescued, but the boat itself “has not fared as well.”
The vessel – a small white powerboat – was drifting towards rocks near Hopeman when the alarm was raised.
A coastguard spokesman said: “Buckie Lifeboat, Burghead Coastguard Rescue Team, and MIRO co-ordinated a rescue and got the two guys off the vessel safely.
“The Coastguard helicopter, from Inverness, was not required.
“It’s been a positive outcome – the men were rescued just in time.”
The spokesman added: “The boat has not fared as well, unfortunately.”
Attempts were made to see if the boat could be towed off the rocks, but the sea conditions proved to be “unhelpful” and the decision was made to leave the vessel.
