Tobermory RNLI launched to yacht aground

Shortly after midday, the UK Coastguard requested the launch of the Tobermory all-weather lifeboat after a pan pan was received from the skipper of a yacht, with three persons and a dog onboard, which was aground at Ulva Ferry on the west coast of the Isle of Mull. Also tasked were Tobermory and Craignure Coastguard Rescue Teams to provide onshore assistance and to aid communication.

The Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey arrived just over an hour later, after encountering moderate to rough sea conditions for the latter half of the journey. Once on scene, it was established that the yacht could not safely refloat on the rising ride without assistance. The all-weather lifeboat’s daughter craft, the Y boat, was launched to pass a tow rope and whilst waiting for the tide to rise, helped to recover the yacht’s anchor which had dragged.

With the Y boat assisting in holding the yacht’s starboard quarter square, the all-weather lifeboat established a tow and moved the yacht into safer water, carefully timing the manoeuvre with the motion of the waves.

Once the skipper had tested the engine and steering, and with no damage to the yacht, the tow was dropped and the lifeboat returned to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service by 5.15pm.

Coxswain David McHaffie said; ‘the area where yacht had grounded is very narrow with shallow water, it is used by local fishermen to store their catch. We are extremely grateful to the two fishermen who moved their creels to allow a safe approach by the lifeboat. This undoubtedly made the yacht recovery an easier task for us.’

Notes to editors

Video will be available shortly

For further information, please contact:

Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711549609 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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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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