Loch rescue 'just not possible'

Two hero policemen - highly commended for separate water rescues - told an inquiry how thick fog and the absence of a boat prevented them saving four fishermen.

PC Andrew Simpson, 32, and Sergeant Daniel McGeachy, 46, part of the emergency response team at Loch Awe when four Glasgow men died after their boat capsized in thick fog, told how a rescue just wasn't possible.

PC Simpson, from Oban Police, said it had not been feasible for him to swim out to the point in the loch where the men could be heard shouting for help.

He told a fatal accident inquiry at Oban Sheriff Court: "I would say anyone that did would be taking their life in their own hands, going in those conditions."

PC Simpson said the thick fog meant a swimmer would simply be unable to see where they were going.

Sergeant McGeachy offered to drive up to Loch Awe to help his colleagues from Oban.? But Sergeant McGeachy, said: "I didn't see any boat at all, nothing."

William Carty, 47, and Craig Currie, 30, were retrieved from the water but it was too late to save them.

Thomas Douglas, 36 and Stephen Carty, 42, also died, after the party's boat capsized as they attempted to cross Loch Awe, in heavy fog, to reach their shore side camp.

The inquiry continues on 2 September.