Seven rescued after boat goes adrift ‘without enough lifejackets’

Seven people had to be rescued after their boat went adrift on Loch Lomond.

The incident happened at around 1am on Thursday when the alarm was raised with police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The boat, a 23-foot Cleopatra Class motor cruiser with seven people aboard, had begun to drift on water close to Balmaha pier.

The vessel had no power and was drifting dangerously close to a rocky shore.

Police said those on board were under the influence of alcohol.

Luss Rescue Boat was called out and drafted in help from National Park Rangers on their patrol boat who towed the vessel to shore where police checked the condition of those on board.

Balfron Sergeant Davie Hannah said: "This could have had a very different ending. It is only through good fortune and the skill and dedication of the volunteer rescue service that this boat did not run aground and people did not end up in the water.

"Those on board were under the influence of alcohol and there were not enough lifejackets for everyone.

"Despite the recent hot spell the water temperature of Loch Lomond is still cold and is only around 10C.

"We are not trying to stop people from having fun but they should do so without risking lives and in accordance with the published bye-laws. Every boat owner has the responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient life jackets for all passengers."

A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with being under the influence of alcohol while in charge of a boat and for failing to carry sufficient lifejackets.

People who read this story also read