28/07/2026
Dramatic events unfolding by the pier in Nairn this afternoon. HM Coastguard - Highland and MIRO on a combined air sea rescue.
As I arrived at the pier today with my wee dog, the rescue helicopter appeared overhead. It quickly began scanning the water either side of the pier. My heart sank.
There was a very strong offshore wind today and it was also really gusty. Due to my swimming and paddleboarding lessons, I've learned that this is a really bad combination. It can look really deceptive but it's impossible to out paddle or out swim an offshore wind like this. Plus there's also the fact that although it was a beautiful sunny day and the breeze was warm, the sea would still be really cold. I started frantically scanning the water too, in case I could spot whoever was in trouble.
After a couple of minutes the helicopter veered off across the water and began hovering in a spot just a short way to the east of the yellow buoy. Moments later the MIRO boat arrived on scene. I could see another rescue boat fast approaching from across the water, but I heard later that it was stood down.
I could then see in the distance what I now believe was someone being winched up to the helicopter.
The boat remained in roughly the same spot for a few more minutes and from what I've read since, I think this is the point where two more people were pulled from the sea by the crew.
Once the two were on board, the boat and the helicopter both turned round and headed back in the direction of the pier. (Having seen a previous rescue a few years back getting to the Harbour is the fastest way to get medical help for the casualties.)
The MIRO boat attempted to make its way up the channel to get to the harbour. However, that proved to be a challenge. Due to a combination of the low tide and the sandbanks around the pier (their words) the boat couldn't make any headway and it had to turn back.
The tide was going out quickly. After turning the boat some of the crew got into the water and they began to hold steady.
The helicopter remained hovering close by. Moments later the winchperson appeared, dangling from the helicopter and somehow after a few attempts at getting close enough he managed to get down and into the boat. The first casualty was then winched up. A few minutes later down came the winch again and the process was repeated.
Once everyone was safely on board the helicopter, it seemed to wait overhead for a few moments. Perhaps waiting to ensure the crew of the MIRO boat weren't in too much difficulty? The boat seemed to me to be pretty much stuck at this point but the crew appeared to be okay.
After a very short time and a good bit of manoeuvring and a lot of water and sand being churned up, suddenly the boat was off the bank and on its way again. The helicopter set off first, then the MIRO boat turned around and began it's return trip back to base.
Throughout this entire time the Nairn Coastguard team were also standing by, ready to offer any assistance.
To my knowledge everyone is now safe and well and that's a huge relief and I'd just like to say a huge well done to all the rescue personnel involved today. Quite a few challenges thrown at the crews today and they really are all heroes!
(I have purposely not included any photos of the people who were rescued today so as to respect their privacy).
Please, please, please if you're going out in, or on the water, especially if it's somewhere new to you, check the tides, check the weather and the wind forecast. Check the wind direction as well as speed. And take note of the gust speed as well. There are apps you can use to help check. Conditions can change at any time and even experienced water users can get caught out on occasion.
Remember the water is cold here even in summer so a wetsuit is also a good idea. Always wear a buoyancy aid/flotation device and if you're in doubt don't go out! The sea will be there another day.
(Check out RNLI page too for advice on the float to live technique)
