Tobermory RNLI launches to report of light aircraft ditching in the sea
Tobermory RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew responded to a report that a light aircraft had ditched in the Sound of Mull at lunchtime on Sunday 14th July.
At 12.22pm, Tobermory RNLI's duty launch authority received a report from Stornoway Coastguard that a two seater light aircraft had ditched in the Sound of Mull. The volunteer crew launched Tobermory's Severn class all weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey shortly after 12.30pm and made best speed towards the location where the aircraft had last been sighted. Oban RNLI lifeboat was also requested to launch.
As the lifeboat proceeded south down the Sound of Mull, information was received from Stornoway Coastguard that the aircraft had been seen to 'skim' the surface of the water and had been confirmed to have made a safe landing at a nearby airstrip. The lifeboat was stood down and returned to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service after 1.30pm.
Tobermory Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones said: 'This was a very quick response by our volunteer crew to what was potentially a very serious incident. We are all hugely relieved that it turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. We would always urge people that if they have any concerns that someone may be in difficulty at sea, that they should not hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
Notes to editors
Tobermory RNLI's annual Lifeboat Day will take place on Sunday 11 August with a Harry Potter theme.
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]
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.