Man airlifted to hospital by coastguard helicopter

The Shetland Coastguard helicopter landed at the Clickimin site at about 7.50pm. Photo: Adam Civico

The Aith lifeboat and Shetland’s coastguard helicopter were involved in a rescue operation last night.

They were called to rescue a Burra Isle resident, named locally as Russell Smith from Hamnavoe, after he became disoriented while out on the small boat Replenish.

A nearby fishing boat, the Budding Rose, also became involved in the operation, which began at around 7pm.

Mr Smith was said to have become disoriented at the wheel of his boat, drifting in and out of consciousness. He managed to make a call to relatives who then informed the emergency services.

The lifeboat and helicopter – which was on exercise at the time – went out to search for Mr Smith, who believed he was near Hamnavoe.

He was eventually located south of Burra, drifting in a swell near the isle of South Havra.

A paramedic was lowered to the boat and both men were then picked up by the Aith lifeboat.

The helicopter left the scene to head for Sumburgh to refuel and returned shortly afterwards to take Mr Smith to hospital.

He was landed at the Clickimin South football pitch and taken by ambulance to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick.

The Budding Rose assisted the lifeboat and helicopter in their operation by towing the Replenish back to the Hamnavoe marina.