Twelve canoeists and kayakers have been rescued from the freezing waters of Loch Ness after two groups hit trouble in treacherous conditions.
The dramatic four-hour operation began when four canoeists capsized around two miles north of Fort Augustus.
An RNLI Loch Ness lifeboat crew was scrambled after the group overturned in “changeable conditions” on the loch – famously said to be home to legendary monster Nessie.
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But by the time rescuers arrived, a Cruise Loch Ness vessel had reached the casualties and hauled them from the water.
All four were “very wet and cold” following their ordeal, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Three RNLI volunteers then boarded the Spirit of Loch Ness to help an HM Coastguard paramedic who had been lowered onto the vessel by helicopter.
But the rescue operation suddenly escalated when the Coastguard helicopter spotted another group in trouble.
Eight kayakers were stranded on the south shore of Loch Ness after also ending up in the water while attempting to reach land.
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Neil Stebbings, volunteer helm at the station, said: “The HM Coastguard helicopter identified another eight kayakers stranded on the south shore of Loch Ness who had also ended up in the water whilst making their way to shore.”
The lifeboat was diverted to rescue the second group and brought all eight back to Fort Augustus, where paramedics were waiting.
Mr Stebbings said: “The lifeboat diverted to locate and rescue the additional casualties and return all eight people to Fort Augustus where further paramedic crews were waiting.”
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The crew then headed back onto the loch to retrieve debris and personal belongings and secure the abandoned kayaks to trees on the shoreline.
Mr Stebbings added: “This was a challenging four-hour rescue with multiple casualties in different locations, but we’re grateful to Cruise Loch Ness and HM Coastguard for their support in ensuring there was a positive outcome for all involved.
“We wish all casualties a speedy recovery.”
It comes after two tourists reported possible sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster last month.
One visitor claimed to have seen a creature moving in and out of the water “like a very large eel”, while another photographed a dark mound protruding from the loch.
The encounters were reported by visitors from Malta and Spain on 5 and 6 August.
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