A major search and rescue operation involving a helicopter and specialist canoeists was launched after someone reported seeing a person in trouble in Loch Tay.
But the ‘casualty’ turned out to be a discarded 70th birthday balloon. The alert was sparked on Wednesday, March 29, with Aberfeldy transformed into a hub for a major search and rescue operation which involved helicopters, fire service, police, ambulance and boat teams.
A member of the public saw the ‘flesh-coloured’ inflatable number ‘70’ from a distance bobbing in the water and called for assistance. Emergency workers and a local adventure company were deployed to scour Scotland’s largest inland loch.
A Coastguard helicopter located the ‘object’ from above and Beyond Adventure’s skilled canoeists clambered with a boat down a steep hillside to access Loch Tay. But the searchers were relieved to come back with the half sunken rose gold coloured balloon - and nothing more sinister.
Beyond Adventure boss Ross Dempster said: “As part of the Community Asset Register we can be called upon to help with rescues, in particular those on the water. We also are active within Tayside Mountain Rescue Team.
“Luckily, the sighting that triggered the callout was a false alarm. But it could have easily been somebody in need of assistance.”
He added: “Being part of the rescue made us realise how lucky we are to have so many fantastic services looking out for us, Police Scotland Tayside, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard - Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance all do an amazing job.
“Thanks to them, thousands of people are saved every year.”
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