This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8044011.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Sea loch barge accident kills two Sea loch barge accident kills two
(40 minutes later)
Two men have died and a third has been airlifted to hospital after an accident on board a barge on a sea loch near Oban in Argyll. Two men have died and a third has been airlifted to hospital after an accident on a fish farming barge in Argyll.
Coastguard rescue teams were called to Loch Creran at about 1150 BST. A Royal Navy helicopter from Prestwick was also scrambled. It was believed they fell unconscious while inspecting hydraulic pipes on the vessel moored on Loch Creran, a sea loch near Oban.
The injured worker was flown to Lorn and Isles Hospital in Oban. Clyde Coastguard said it was possible that rusting metal in a confined space had removed oxygen from the air.
A rescue operation was launched after reports that three men were unconscious on the Scottish Sea Farms vessel. The barge was owned by Scottish Sea Farms. The Health and Safety Executive has been notified.
The boat was moored on Loch Creran when the alarm was raised. Coastguard rescue teams were called to Loch Creran at about 1150 BST after reports that three men were unconscious.
A Royal Navy helicopter from Prestwick was also sent and the injured worker was flown to Lorn and Isles Hospital in Oban.
It was initially thought the men had died after being overcome by noxious fumes but coastguards said it was now believed they suffocated while inspecting hydraulic pipes.It was initially thought the men had died after being overcome by noxious fumes but coastguards said it was now believed they suffocated while inspecting hydraulic pipes.
A spokeswoman for Scottish Sea Farms, said: "It is with great sadness that SSF can confirm an accident at our faarm in Loch Creran, Argyll, has resulted in two fatalities and injury to a third colleague.
This is an absolute tragedy. My thoughts go out to the families of those involved Cllr Duncan MacIntyre Argyll and Bute CouncilThis is an absolute tragedy. My thoughts go out to the families of those involved Cllr Duncan MacIntyre Argyll and Bute Council
"Our immediate concern and condolences are for the families affected by this tragic accident.
"SSF are co-operating fully with the Health and Safety Executive and relevant authorities in this matter."
A Clyde Coastguard spokesman said: "There was a problem with the crane on the barge and the men went to look at some hydraulic pipes in a hold.A Clyde Coastguard spokesman said: "There was a problem with the crane on the barge and the men went to look at some hydraulic pipes in a hold.
"They vented it for about 15 minutes, but when the first man went down he became unconscious almost immediately."They vented it for about 15 minutes, but when the first man went down he became unconscious almost immediately.
"An engineer then went down but could feel himself starting to lapse out of consciousness and came back up. "An engineer then went down but could feel himself starting to lapse out of consciousness and came back up."
It is understood the third man then went to investigate wearing some sort of respiratory mask and he too became unconscious.It is understood the third man then went to investigate wearing some sort of respiratory mask and he too became unconscious.
The spokesman added: "Because the barge is made of metal and steel, it rusts, and that depletes oxygen levels." The spokesman added: "Because the barge is made of metal and steel it rusts, and that depletes oxygen levels."
An investigation was being carried out into the circumstances of the accident. A spokeswoman for Scottish Sea Farms said: "It is with great sadness that SSF can confirm an accident at our farm in Loch Creran, Argyll, has resulted in two fatalities and injury to a third colleague.
A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "At 1150 BST emergency services were called to a report of an industrial incident involving three men in the Rhugarbh area of Loch Creran. "Our immediate concern and condolences are for the families affected by this tragic accident.
"Police, coastguard, Oban lifeboat, air rescue and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are in attendance. "SSF are co-operating fully with the Health and Safety Executive and relevant authorities in this matter."
"It is being treated very seriously."
Argyll councillor Duncan MacIntyre said: "This is an absolute tragedy. My thoughts go out to the families of those involved."Argyll councillor Duncan MacIntyre said: "This is an absolute tragedy. My thoughts go out to the families of those involved."
A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said they had been made aware of the incident.A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said they had been made aware of the incident.