Stornoway Coastguard were contacted by Portree Police at 10:15 p.m. on 26 February 2001, on the Isle of Skye, requesting Coastguard assistance in locating a missing 30 year old male at Loch Pooltiel in the Glendale area of the of the Isle of Skye.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 'Mike Uniform' was scrambled from Stornoway, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Portree and Dunvegan were tasked to the scene, and the launch of the RNLI Lifeboat from Protree was also requested.

The missing man was reported to have left his home at 6:00 p.m. and had not returned as expected. The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 'Mike Uniform' located the casualty 23 minutes after commencing the search.

The casualty had sustained head injuries with cold-water immersion complications. CPR commenced on scene, with rescue teams assisting helicopter crew, despite the difficult weather conditions of snow showers and difficult terrain.

The casualty was airlifted to Western Isles Hospital while CPR continued throughout on route. The Skye Sector Manager joined the Helicopter crew on the flight to Stornoway to assist with the ongoing CPR. Despite efforts the casualty was pronounced deceased by Medical staff at Western Isles Hospital at 01:15 a.m. that morning.

Angus Murray, Watch Manager at Stornoway Coastguard said, "We would like to express our sympathy to the man's family and our thanks to members of the public who assisted in the search. The Helicopter crew and all Rescue Teams acted very professionally, despite the difficult conditions encountered."