Exercise in Bressay Sound

Shetland Coastguard led a two-yearly “live” exercise this morning (Sunday), together with SIC ferries, Lerwick lifeboat and Lerwick Harbour boats.
The exercise saw the ferry Leirna break down in Bressay Sound and two people fall into the water. Lerwick lifeboat was tasked to go to the scene, together with both the harbour boats, Knab and Kebister. Coastguard teams from Bressay and West Burra Isle were also involved.
The Leirna put its fast rescue craft into the water to retrieve the two people, while the Lerwick lifeboat evacuated two injured passengers.
The lifeboat then took the ferry under tow.
Similar “live” exercises take place every two years to ensure rescues can be carried out without the need for a helicopter.
However Shetland Coastguard’s helicopter was in action on Saturday night when a call was received around 7pm to evacuate a sick crewman from the Heather Alpha platform 100 miles north-east of Sumburgh. The casualty was taken to the emergency landing site at Clickimin and from there to the Gilbert Bain Hospital.