RNLI rescue passenger after boat catches fire near Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven

A rescue operation was launched on Monday after a boat caught fire off the coast of Aberdeenshire.

A Coastguard helicopter rushed to the scene, off Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven, after reports of the blaze came in at around 2.50pm.

An RNLI lifeboat was sent to pick up the sole passenger who had left the vessel on a life raft.

The Scottish Ambulance Service was sent to meet the lifeboat at the Stonehaven harbour.

The boat washed up at Dunnottar.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard coordinated rescue of one person from a vessel which caught fire off the coast off Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven.

“The alarm was raised at about 2.50pm on Monday May 15, with the RNLI inshore lifeboat dispatched from Stonehaven to pick up the casualty, the only person on board, who had abandoned ship to a life raft.

“The Coastguard helicopter from Aberdeen was sent but returned to base after the casualty was picked up by the RNLI.

“The Stonehaven Coastguard Rescue Team and a crew from the Scottish Ambulance Service were sent to meet the lifeboat at Stonehaven harbour.

“Montrose Coastguard Rescue Team went to Dunnottar to make the scene safe where the boat washed up.”

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Stonehaven RNLI and Aberdeen RNLI were tasked by the UK Coastguard this afternoon to respond to a casualty vessel that had caught fire off the Aberdeenshire coast.

“Stonehaven’s inshore lifeboat safely transported the casualty back to the lifeboat station.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.