Tobermory RNLI lifeboat rescues three people in second ‘shout’ in 24 hours

Tobermory RNLI’s Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, was launched quickly just after 6pm following a 999 call to the UK Coastguard that three men had become stranded by a rising tide at Ardmore Point on the north east coast of the Isle of Mull. As they began searching in Ardmore Bay, the volunteer crew contacted one of the casualty’s mobile ‘phone, the number of which had been provided by Stornoway Coastguard. The casualty confirmed that they were clear of the water but were disoriented and lost. When asked to describe what they could see from their position, the casualty stated that they could see a both a lighthouse and a fish farm. This information enabled the crew to focus their search efforts further south in Bloody Bay where shortly afterwards one of the RNLI volunteers spotted the three men on the hillside. The crew deployed the lifeboat’s daughter craft, the Y boat, and the men were safely recovered from the shore and taken to their campsite at Ardmore Bay where they were met by members of Tobermory’s Coastguard Rescue Team.

Tobermory RNLI’s Second Coxswain, James Fairbairns said: ‘Owing to the nature of the distress as initially reported, we were concerned that the casualties might be in the water and so the crew launched the lifeboat as quickly as possible before making best speed to their reported location. The three gentlemen did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard, as being able to search in daylight conditions made our task so much easier. We hope that they enjoy the rest of their fishing trip and that they continue to respect the water.’

This was the second call out for the charity’s lifeboat in less than 24 hours. The previous evening, Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew had launched shortly before 11pm to a yacht which had suffered a loss of power and required assistance to enter Tobermory Bay. The crew towed the yacht into the pontoons in Tobermory harbour before refuelling the lifeboat and making her ready for service at half past midnight.

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager on 07747601900 or via [email protected]

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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.

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