Two rescued after houseboat sinks in early hours of morning

RNLI Wick Lifeboat sped to the scene off the coast of Caithness at 4.40am on Saturday.

Two rescued after houseboat sinks in early hours of morning RNLI

Two people had to be rescued after their houseboat sank off the coast in the North Sea in the early hours of Saturday morning.

RNLI Wick Lifeboat was launched at 4.40am when the vessel began taking on water half a mile off Badbea, on the east coast of Caithness.

The rescue team made their way to the scene at full speed but when they arrived at 5.10am the houseboat had sunk.

The two occupants were taking the vessel from Helmsdale to Scourie, on the north west coast, but when the boat began to sink they managed to board a life raft.

The rescuers took them back to Wick and passed them into the care of a waiting ambulance.

Paramedics assessed the casualties and RNLI Wick Lifeboat said: “We are delighted to report that both are well.”

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea. To find out more or make a donation visit here.

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code