Islay RNLI crew honoured with long service awards

Cara joined the RNLI at the age of 17 and today she is one of Islay RNLI’s volunteer coxswains, navigating Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II when the call comes in. Reflecting on her time in the RNLI, Cara recalls one of her most memorable shouts which took place on 4 January 2008: ‘It was to a fishing vessel South of Skerryvore lighthouse in the new year. The vessel was taking on water, and the lifeboat had to transfer a salvage pump to prevent the vessel from sinking. It was a long night in challenging conditions towing them back home, we were out for about 18 hours.’.

Duncan joined Islay RNLI crew aged 20 and serves as a volunteer mechanic. When asked the best part of being a RNLI volunteer mechanic he says: ‘The best part is the responsibility - making sure the Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II is ready to go 24/7, and then being down in the engine room on a shout knowing the boat will get everyone home safe. There's a lot of trust in that role. The worst part is the pager never cares what time it is, 3am in January, gale blowing, you're out the door.’.

Also recognised with a 20-year service was Islay’s full-time coxswain David MacLellan. David has been a part of Islay RNLI for an impressive 36 years and 2026 marks his 20 years as full-time coxswain at Islay lifeboat station. During his service David has been awarded the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum in recognition of his leadership and seamanship during the shout to Skerryvore on January 4, 2008. David was also awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry in 2016 for another rescue at the Skerryvore reef, which also lasted 18 hours.

Everyone at Islay RNLI wishes to congratulate Cara, Duncan and David on these milestone awards and thank them for the continued commitment to the RNLI. While no one joins the RNLI to receive awards, it is important to recognise and show appreciation for the dedication of those who give so much of their time to save lives at sea.

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Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

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