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Stornoway Coastguards co-ordinate rescue of two men        2/2/13

Stornoway Coastguards co-ordinated the rescue of two men from the freezing sea.  The shepherds, along with their two dogs had been transporting sheep between the mainland and Shuna Island, Loch Linnhe, near Appin when their 16ft vessel capsized, throwing them into the water yesterday.

Stornoway Coastguard was alerted via a 999 call and supervised the rescue operation.  

Oban lifeboat was launched, two local vessels also attended the scene to offer assistance. The men were wearing buoyancy aids, one drifted ashore, the other was recovered into one of the assisting marina boats.

Appin Coast Rescue Team recovered and secured the capsized vessel discovering one of the dogs, alive and well but trapped in an air pocket underneath the boat while the other dog swum ashore.

Unfortunately, none of the sheep appear to have survived.

Both casualties were taken by ambulance to Lorne and Islands hospital in Oban where one is being treated for hypothermia.

Martin Collins, Watch Manager said: “These two shepherds have had a lucky escape, given the temperature of the water at this time of year. They were aided by the use of the buoyancy aids they were wearing.

“The Appin Coastguard Team only discovered the dog when they were securing the upturned boat.

“The dog had been in the water for about and hour but has suffered no ill effects by the experience.

“This was a good outcome to what could have had a tragic ending. “