Man held after boat goes adrift on loch

Seven people have been rescued from a boat drifting “dangerously close to rocks” which did not have enough life jackets for everyone on board.

Central Scotland Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency were notified about the 23ft Cleopatra-class motor cruiser drifting after having lost power on Loch Lomond, close to Balmaha Pier, at about 1am yesterday.

Those on board had been drinking, according to police.

Luss rescue boat was called out and, with help from national park rangers on their patrol boat, they towed the vessel to shore where police assessed the condition of those on board.

A 42-year-old man was then arrested and charged with offences relating to drinking alcohol while in charge of a boat and failing to carry sufficient life jackets.

Sergeant Davie Hannah said: “This could have had a very different ending.

“It is only through good fortune and the skill and dedication of the volunteer rescue service that this boat did not run aground and people did not end up in the water.

“Those on board were under the influence of alcohol and there were not enough life jackets for everyone.

“Despite the recent hot spell, the water temperature of Loch Lomond is still cold and is only around 10C.

“We are not trying to stop people from having fun but they should do so without risking lives and in accordance with the published by-laws.

“Every boat owner has the responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient life jackets for all passengers”