Tobermory lifeboat launched to assist windsurfer off the remote island of Tiree

The volunteer crew were paged just after 3.30pm by the UK Coastguard after a member of the public called 999 to report they had seen a windsurfer come off his board in the south of Hynish Bay, Tiree and they had not been able to recover themselves. The Tobermory all-weather lifeboat launched less than ten minutes later and Coastguard helicopters Rescue 199 (Prestwick) and Rescue 948 (Stornoway) were also tasked to perform a search of the bay.

The Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey arrived on scene just over an hour after launching and joined Rescue 199 who had begun a search of Hynish Bay. Shortly after their arrival, an RNLI crew member spotted a windsurfer on the beach at Crossapol and the Tiree Coastguard Rescue Team established he was the windsurfer who had been reported as in difficulty. He had managed to recover himself to his board shortly after the report was made and was not in need of any further assistance.

The lifeboat returned to Tobermory after travelling just under 70 miles, where she was refuelled and made ready for service by 7.30pm.

Coxswain David McHaffie said: ‘we are always grateful for the vigilance of members of the public who report situations that may require the assistance of the RNLI and Coastguards. We are pleased that there was a good outcome to this service and 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.'

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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