Tobermory RNLI in multi agency response to ‘Mayday’ off west coast of Mull
Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew responded to a ‘Mayday’ call off the west coast of Mull on the afternoon of Sunday 30 September 2018.
The lifeboat launched at 1.45pm into a north westerly wind blowing Force 5/6. The initial information from Stornoway Coastguard was that a vessel with one person aboard was taking on water off the west coast of Mull somewhere between Tobermory and Staffa. Tobermory RNLI’s Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey was joined in the search by a number of other vessels including the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry MV Loch Tarbert and MV Voe Jarl as well as the UK Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter based at Prestwick. Tobermory and Craignure Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked.
Having sighted a flare, the volunteer RNLI crew located the 8.5m RIB by Caliach Point but due to the location and the conditions the lifeboat’s daughter craft, the Y Boat, was unable to get in and so the skipper was winched aboard the Coastguard helicopter.
Tobermory RNLI’s lifeboat returned to station where she was refuelled and made ready for service shortly after 3pm.
Tobermory RNLI Mechanic Paul ‘Gunny’ Gunn said: ‘We had very little information to go on when we launched so we were very grateful for the assistance of the Voe Jarl and Cal Mac’s ferry Loch Tarbert. Cal Mac’s ferry Isle of Lewis also offered their help too. This was very much a team effort and we’re pleased that our colleagues from the UK Coastguard were able to get the skipper to safety.’
Notes for editors
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.
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