Coastguard help care workers during stormy weather

Western Isles council requested the assistance of the Tarbert, Benbecula and Bragar coastguard rescue teams and two Stornoway based senior coastal operations officers.

Using their 4X4 vehicles and knowledge of driving in severe weather and high tide conditions they were able to transport care workers around the area to reach those people who are among the most vulnerable in the community.

Stornoway coastal area commander Murdo McCaulay said: “The Western Isles were hit by gale force winds and heavy rain coinciding with high spring tides which made driving conditions extremely difficult.

“Our officers, both volunteer and full time, are trained to drive in these conditions and are happy to be called upon by the other emergency services and the local authorities to assist delivery of essential services.

“With the assistance of our teams more than a dozen people were visited on Monday 13 January that may have otherwise been left isolated and vulnerable in the severe weather conditions brought about by Storm Brendan.”