Oban lifeboat launches to aid stricken yacht

Oban lifeboat was requested to launch by Stornoway Coastguard at 3.30pm this afternoon to assist a yacht that had broadcasted a 'Mayday' call having experienced steering problems close to the Lismore lighthouse.

Shortly after the lifeboat arrived on scene, the casualty vessel had managed to engage their emergency steering and was making way towards Dunstaffnage Marina. Our thanks go to the Calmac ferry 'Hebridean Isles' who also diverted to assist but was not required at this time.

With the yacht underway, the volunteer crew escorted the vessel with regular communication checks via VHF radio. On route, it soon became apparent that one of the yachts crew had become unwell and the decision was made to transfer them to the lifeboat. The lifeboat then proceeded ahead to Dunstaffnage to transfer the casualty to a waiting ambulance.

During this time the casualty vessel was able to berth safely at the marina without assistance.

Oban lifeboat then proceeded to return to station where she was refuelled and made ready for service again by 5.45pm.

RNLI media contacts:

Leonie Woolf, Oban Lifeboat Deputy Press Officer
Tel: 07818 861517/ 01631 569735 Email: [email protected]

Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or
[email protected]

Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026,
[email protected]

RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.