Multi agency search after EPIRB alert
Oban RNLI lifeboat was tasked yesterday evening (Wednesday 19 July) to assist in a search following the activation of an EPIRB.
Oban lifeboat 'Mora Edith MacDonald' was requested to launch by Stornoway Coastguard yesterday evening at 9.44pm following the activation of an EPIRB device towards the south east side of Mull.
An EPIRB is an emergency device that can be installed on vessels, and once activated sends a distress signal transmitted via satellite to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre.
Whilst Oban lifeboat was requested to search the area south east of Mull from Loch Buie, Tobermory Lifeboat had also launched to search the western side of the island. Craignure Coast Rescue Team had also been tasked to assist.
As the volunteer crew proceeded towards Loch Buie, it became apparent that Craignure's Coast Rescue Team had located a device. Both lifeboat's stood by until it was confirmed that this was the one transmitting the emergency message. Once this had been confirmed and it was established that no one was in danger both lifeboat's where stood down and free to return to station.
Oban lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service again shortly before midnight.
RNLI media contacts: Leonie Woolf, Oban Lifeboat Deputy Press Officer
Tel: 07818 861517/ 01631 569735 Email: [email protected]
Or Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or
Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026,
Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
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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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