Stonehaven RNLI members rush to help after man hit by falling mast

Members of Stonehaven RNLI were in the right place to help when a mast fell on a sailor.

While carrying out maintenance on the inshore lifeboat, mechanics Paul Sim and Billy Lawson were alerted to an incident in the outer harbour.

The crew member of a visiting vessel sustained an injury when a tidal surge forced the boat to break adrift, causing the forestay to snap and the mast to fall down on him.

Mr Sim ran to the lifeboat shed to collect the stretcher.

RNLI press officers Susan Leiper and Lorraine Clark were also on hand to assist and attended at the scene.

Lifeboat helm Drew Lawson was also on scene as he was acting as safety boat cover for the local sea cadets who were out sailing.

Drew and Matthew Jackson of the Sea Cadet Corps transferred the injured man on to their safety boat, and shore crew assisted in his transfer to the waiting ambulance.

It is understood the man’s injuries were not life-threatening.