Invergordon lifeboat joins RAF jet crash search

INVERGORDON lifeboat is searching for missing RAF crew following a crash between two Tornado jets in the Moray Firth.

Two people were picked up by helicopter and flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness following the incident south of Wick around 1.50pm today (Tuesday).

However another jet is classed as "missing" and its two crew unaccounted for.

The Invergordon lifeboat, along with lifeboats from Buckie and Wick, were sent towards the Beatrice oil field area, supported by Stornoway Coastguard helicopter.

They are searching an area around 25 miles south of Wick.

The Ministry of Defence said the Tornado GR4s, which have a pilot and navigator, were from RAF Lossiemouth.

In a statement issued this evening (Tues), Group Captain Ian Gale, Station Commander at RAF Lossiemouth, said; "It is with great regret that I must confirm the loss of two Tornado GR4 aircraft, from this station, in an incident in the Moray Firth today. The circumstances remain uncertain but clearly this is a very serious incident.

"This incident involved four aircrew, all personnel from this station, and the thoughts of everyone here are with the families and friends of those involved.

"I can confirm that two individuals have been recovered and two remain unaccounted for. Rescue operations are continuing and I would like to record my gratitude for the ongoing efforts of all those involved."

Last year, a Tornado GR4 from RAF Lossiemouth crashed in the sea off Gairloch in Wester Ross.

The two crew ejected safely from the jet in the waters of Loch Ewe.

Group Captain Gale said he was confident that the Tornado aircraft at Lossiemouth were operated as safely as they could be.

"However, today's incident is a stark reminder that the military operations and training we conduct are not without risk," he added.

He said the incident was now under investigation.