East Sutherland Rescue Association

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22nd July 2009

What I thought was a single snap of ESRA facilities at Dornoch turned into an exciting series as the training exercise seemed to go off plan as a result of the first inflatable trailer becoming stuck in less than supportive beach, and the efforts to free this trailer resulted in the almost brand new JCB Groundhog 4x4 becoming stuck as well. A Suzuki Jimny proved to be inadequate as a tow vehicle, and eventually a Toyota truck was summoned to free the errant Groundhog. To my surprise, the Groundhog was coaxed into life and was able to retrieve the boat trailers and conclude the evening's practice. Well glad I had brought the camera along!

01: Dornoch Rescue Centre Buy Print	02: ESRA is Go! Buy Print	03: first boat heads for the water Buy Print	04: Groundhog returns light engine for the second trailer Buy Print
05: first signs of trouble - the wheels look stuck Buy Print	06: second boat on her way Buy Print	07: all looks fine at this point Buy Print	08: towrope attached Buy Print
09: the plan fails so it's time to unload the second boat Buy Print	10: this unload seems to be giong to plan Buy Print	11: groundhog speeds out of the water Buy Print	12: boat two seems fine. I suppose we will need to rescue boat 1.... Buy Print
13: this is where it goes a bit wonky. Groundhog goes into deep water to try to free the trailer Buy Print	14: incoming tide, anyone? Buy Print	15: the tide at least allows boat 1 to be floated away and the trailer freed manually. Meanwhile.... Buy Print	16: are you sure it's stuck? Buy Print
17: It's stuck. time to go for help Buy Print	18: Thunderbird 1 arrives - but doesn't look too confident Buy Print	19: Thunderbird 1 retreats with a flourish. but no cigar! Buy Print	20: Thunderbird 2 looks more up to the job Buy Print
21: all of a sudden she's free Buy Print	22: the tow rope is clearly seen Buy Print	23: still concerned about getting stuck, the driver looks down Buy Print	24: dryish land at last Buy Print
25: will she start? Buy Print	26: maximum thrash..... Buy Print	27: Now where's my helmet? Buy Print	28: how many people does it take to retract a hawser? Buy Print
29: the second inflatable and trailer are brought home for the evening Buy Print	30: Groundhog awaits the naughty step Buy Print