
Tobermory RNLI lifeboat launches to unoccupied dive RIB off Calve Island
Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew launched following reports of an unoccupied dive RIB off the northern tip of Calve Island in Tobermory Bay on Friday 17 August 2018.
Following concerns from a local ferry skipper that the RIB had been unoccupied for a few hours and was flying a ‘diver down’ flag, Tobermory RNLI was requested to launch and investigate by Stornoway Coastguard. The Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, launched just after 1.30pm. On arriving at the scene, the volunteer crew found that three divers had surfaced near the RIB and they indicated that they were safe and well. The lifeboat returned to station where she was made ready for service shortly after 2pm.
Tobermory RNLI Station Mechanic, Paul ‘Gunny’ Gunn said: ‘We’d like to thank the ferry skipper for passing on his concerns to the Coastguard. We would much rather be called out at an early stage and find that all is well rather than be called out too late. If you see anything which gives you reason to think that someone may be in trouble at sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact Tobermory RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones on 07747 601900 or
[email protected] or Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Officer for Scotland on 01738 642956 or
[email protected].
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