Tobermory RNLI lifeboat in late night five hour, 70 mile ‘shout’ to yacht
Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew had a late night ‘shout’ to a yacht in difficulty north of the Torran rocks off Erraid.
At 9.51pm on Friday 6th July 2018, Tobermory RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch by Stornoway Coastguard following a ‘Pan Pan’ call by the yacht which had engine problems and two persons on board. The yacht was becalmed north of the Torran rocks, an area made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson as it is where his fictional character David Balfour is shipwrecked in his classic novel ‘Kidnapped’.
On arriving at the scene shortly before midnight, one of Tobermory’s volunteer crew went on board the yacht and was able to assist the crew in restarting the engine. The lifeboat then escorted the yacht to a safe anchorage off Iona before returning to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service shortly before 3am, having spent just under five hours at sea, covering approximately 70 nautical miles.
This was the first service for Tony 'Kiwi' Spillane in his new role as one of Tobermory's mechanics. The lifeboat's mechanics are responsible for the lifeboat's engines and equipment and radio communications whilst she is at sea. Tony, who is from New Zealand originally, was passed out as a Third Mechanic in May.
Tobermory RNLI Coxswain David McHaffie said: ‘Whilst this was a reasonably long shout and we covered more than a few sea miles, the conditions were excellent. We’re pleased that we were able to assist the crew of the yacht and we wish them well for the rest of their passage.’
Notes to editors
The photographs are as follows:
The view from the flying bridge as the lifeboat escorts the yacht up the Sound of Iona (please credit RNLI/Dave Underwood)
Third Mechanic Tony 'Kiwi' Spillane (please credit RNLI/Sam Jones)
Volunteer Crew Alexander 'Wee Jock' Anderson refueling the lifeboat as dawn breaks at 2.30am (please credit RNLI/Sam Jones)
Tobermory RNLI's Lifeboat Day will take place on Sunday 12 August.
For further information, please contact Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager on 07747601900 or Gemma Macdonald, Regional Media Officer for Scotland on 07826 900639.
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.