Portrush and Islay RNLI respond to reports of a yacht in difficulty at Port Elle
Portrush and Islay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboats launched yesterday (Monday 1st October ) at 10pm in response to a launch request from the Coastguard to initial reports of a vessel in difficulty 200metres off the harbour at Port Ellen on Islay.
Portrush and Islay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboats launched yesterday (Monday 1stOctober ) at 10pm in response to a launch request from the Coastguard to initial reports of a vessel in difficulty 200 metres off the harbour at Port Ellen on Islay.
As the lifeboats information was received to indicate that a yacht with six people on board had run aground just 200 metres from Port Ellen. Rescue Helicopter R199 was also deployed from Prestwick but was stood down when it was established that there was no immediate danger to life.
Visibility was poor as it was dark and the wind was challenging with rough seas and squally showers.
Portrush All Weather Lifeboat arrived on scene at 11.30pm and stayed on scene to assist Islay RNLI to try to tow yacht to Harbour. This proved difficult under the current sea conditions and it was agreed that Portrush ALB would return to Portrush and that Islay would wait until high water to get the yacht under tow.
Portrush ALB and her volunteer crew returned to station at approximately 3am, refuelled and made ready for the next call.
Gerard Bradley Portrush RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: ‘The weather was not ideal to be at sea tonight, as the wind and squalls presented a challenge ,but our crews are highly skilled to cope with any weather conditions. We wish our colleagues on Islay well with the continuing recovery operation’
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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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