Kyle and Portree lifeboats called to vessel aground after flares sighted
Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree RNLI lifeboats were called to a 7 metre rigid inflatable boat aground on rocks off Torridon. The 6 persons on board the vessel had set off flares after running aground on the rapidly dropping tide
Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 3:52pm yesterday (7th June), after the UK Coastguard received reports of flares being sighted in the Torridon area. The UK Coastguard had launched both Kyle & Portree lifeboats after a fishing vessel had reported seeing multiple flares around 3:45pm.
Kyle lifeboat arrived on scene at 4:44pm to find the RIB hard aground, and quickly put a crew member onboard the casualty vessel to assess the situation and ensure that no-one was injured. With it confirmed that everyone was safe and well, and Portree lifeboat en route, the Kyle crew started to transfer the people from the casualty vessel onto the lifeboat. A short time later Portree lifeboat arrived on scene, and they were then transferred onto the larger lifeboat.
As the RIB was stuck fast on the rocks, and with no way to confirm that the boat was watertight, it was decided that the best course of action was to wait on scene until the tide turned and the boat refloated. Shortly before 6:30pm, the RIB successfully floated free of the rocks and both lifeboats were stood down and could return to their respective stations.
Kyle lifeboat arrived back on station at 7:30pm, and was refueled and made ready for service by 8.00pm.
Speaking of the incident, a Kyle RNLI spokesperson said: ‘The crew of the casualty vessel were very well equipped, and did the correct thing. After running aground and with patchy VHF radio coverage, they had tried attracting attention by using visual signals and an air horn. When this proved unsuccessful, they set off flares to attract the attention of the passing vessel.’
Notes to editors
- Please credit all pictures to Kyle RNLI
- For further details on the casualty vessel, please contact the UK Coastguard
- Further pictures of the rescue are available if required
- Video footage may be available later today
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