 Rescue Services
Her Majesty's Coastguard (part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency) is responsible for the initiation and co-ordination of maritime search and rescue on the coastline, cliffs and waters surrounding the United Kingdom.
Stornoway has a Maritime Rescue Sub Centre based in a modern purpose built building near the entrance to Stornoway Harbour.
HM Coastguard also has a long range Search and Rescue helicopter based at Stornoway Airport as well as an emergency tug and a number of Coastguard Rescue Teams based at strategic points around the coast. The Coastguard's work closely with all the other emergency services for incidents such as medical transfers, mountain rescues and land based searches. HM Coastguard Stornoway is often used to co-ordinate the rescue and/or assistance for vessels of other nations when difficulties arise and can provide a link for medical advice on MF and VHF radio.
The station also gives regular Maritime Safety Information broadcasts on weather, submarine activity and any navigation warnings. These are announced on VHF Channel 16 every four hours.
Stornoway's Lifeboat Station was founded in 1887 with the provision of a rowing and sailing lifeboat, the "Isabella". The present lifeboat is the "Tom Sanderson," speed 25 knots, range 250 NM, crew 7. Supported entirely by voluntary contributions. More information on: Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
SPA Strategic Plan 2011 - 2021 (
