Coastguard search and rescue helicopter Rescue 948 was diverted from a training exercise yesterday to reports of a man overboard in Loch Hourn.
A coastguard spokesman confirmed a call had been received at 10.33am to attend to the incident involving a fishing vessel. Mallaig lifeboat, Rescue 948 and coast rescue teams from Portree and Kyle mustered to the scene.
Video footage released by the Coastguard and Maritime Agency shows the moment the man was hauled back on board by his crewman and fisherman from the neighbouring vessel Lady Lynn.
The man was winched into Rescue 948, before being transferred on to Broadford.
James Instance, duty controller for HM Coastguard said: “This was an incredible rescue captured on film. This incident happened so quickly but the crew did all the right things by sending a distress beacon alert and informing the Coastguard on their VHF Radio.
“Thankfully a nearby vessel was on scene very quickly once the alarm was raised. The crew were also well-prepared in the fact that they had an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) on board and shortly after the call we received an emergency signal from that beacon giving us their exact location.
“EPIRBs are designed to activate when they hit the water automatically sending the coastguard your position which is displayed on our charting system – in this case when the man went overboard.
“We’re pleased that in this situation the crew were able to take action by recovering the man from the water. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received a call at 1129 hours on Monday 16 July to assist the Coastguard at Broadford Airfield on the Isle of Skye.
“We dispatched one ambulance and one patient was transferred to Broadford Hospital.”
It is understood the man is recovering well in Broadford Hospital.
The Coastguard and Maritime Agency in an online post warned water users to always prepare for emergencies.
They said: “When heading out to sea you should always make sure you have a means of alerting us if you get into difficulty. We can never get time back, speed is of the utmost importance – don’t wait for things to improve.
“Always carry a means of alerting the Coastguard if you get into difficulty.”