Tobermory RNLI goes to the assistance of drifting fish farm vessel and mooring

The alarm was raised by one of Tobermory RNLI's off duty Deputy Launching Authorities (DLA), Nick Ray, who lives aboard a yacht in the bay. Nick had sighted the 8 metre fish farm boat drifting across the harbour, still attached to its mooring in Force 5 south easterly winds. Coxswain David McHaffie consulted the on duty DLA and the UK Coastguard who agreed with him that the boat presented a significant hazard to navigation and possibly also to persons and property.

Tobermory RNLI's volunteer crew launched their Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, at 1115 and within two minutes were alongside the fish farm boat which was drifting close to the CalMac pier. Two crew members were put aboard and established that no one was on board the casualty vessel. The two volunteer crew were able to start the engine, slip the lines and recover the boat to the pontoons. Once the vessel had been secured, another fish farm vessel was spotted entering the bay. On being briefed by the lifeboat crew, the fish farm vessel recovered the mooring. The lifeboat then returned to her berth and was made ready for service at 1145.

Tobermory RNLI Coxswain David McHaffie said: 'This was one of our shorter 'shouts'. The vessel and mooring presented a hazard to navigation and property but we also needed to ensure that there was no one on board. We have had very strong south easterly gales of late which may have caused the mooring to fail.'

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact

Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747601900 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]

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