THREE divers who were rescued from the Gantock Rocks after they got into difficulty during stormy weather last month have now been charged by police.
The divers, who haven’t been named, were charged with culpable and reckless conduct after they were airlifted to safety from the Gantock Rocks on Sunday, December 22 , as part of a multi-agency emergency operation.
Its understood the trio, who are Argyll and Bute based, had told rescuers that they had been scallop diving that afternoon when weather conditions rapidly deteriorated, and as winds whipped down the Clyde reaching 70mph the divers found themselves in difficulty and emergency services were contacted.
The crew of a Coastguard helicopter, braving the storm, successfully airlifted all three to safety. Upon landing, they were met by Dunoon Coastguard Rescue Team, the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Helensburgh, and Police Scotland. Fortunately, the divers were unharmed.
However police have now charged them in connection with their actions and their subsequent rescue. The operation’s cost, which involved dispatching the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick and mobilising additional emergency resources, is estimated to have run into tens of thousands of pounds.
The incident has sparked online discussions throughout various local social media channels about the potential consequences of reckless behaviour during dangerous weather conditions.
The three are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
