Two people electrocuted after yacht hits power lines

Ardhasaig. Credit: Mark Dickson

Two people were electrocuted while moving their yacht on a trailer in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides when the mast hit live power lines.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) received a call just after 3pm on 12 June from the Scottish Ambulance Service requiring assistance at Ardhasaig on the Isle of Harris.

Coastguard rescue teams from Tarbert and Scalpay responded.

The two people were taken to hospital and are reported to be in a stable condition.

A MCA spokesperson said: At approximately 3.05pm on 12 June, we received a call from Scotland Ambulance Service to assist two people who’d been electrocuted on a vessel at Ardhasaif on Isle of Harris.

‘Tarbert and Scalpay coastguard rescue teams were sent to assist.

‘Electricity engineers from Scottish Hydro Electric were required as the vessel was between two power cables.

‘The coastguard rescue teams secured the vessel and the two people were taken to hospital.

‘The vessel was actually on a trailer at the time.’

A spokeperson for SSE said: ‘Our engineers attended Ardhasaig, where the mast of a yacht had struck our overhead line. The boat was being moved with its mast fully erect, and struck the line.

‘Industry regulations state that the minimum height of power lines should be 5.8m across roads and paths, the line that was struck was 7.3m from the ground. In order for our engineers to extricate the mast from the line, the power was turned off for approximately one hour.’