Bookmark and Share
wpfb9b4c8d.png

Gaelic TV presenter Niall Iain Macdonald was rescued by Barra lifeboat tonight after an oar snapped during a charity voyage.

Barra RNLI lifeboat picked him up at 6pm this evening and towed his stricken craft to Leverburgh. The tow was due to arrive before 8pm.

The 37-year old had hoped to raise £5000.to raise money for BBC Children In Need.

Niall Iain departed from Castlebay on Wednesday morning and reckoned the three-day venture up to Lewis in moderate conditions would be great practice for attempt to row solo across the Atlantic - from New York to Stornoway - at the end of May next year.

But an oar broke some 500 metres off the shore at Griminish Point on the west coast of North Uist, about half way along the 100 mile route. Coastguards were alerted around 3.08pm

A spokesperson for Stornoway Coastguard said: “Barra lifeboat launched to go and tow him into shore.

“He was not in any danger but, without oars, was not making any headway and was drifting.”

“We put out a call to see if there was any vessels in the vicinity but we received no response so Barra lifeboat was called out.“

 

Hebrides News, Niall Iain Macdonald

Leila Angus / www.brighterstill.com

TV presenter SOS                    17/11/11