RNLI Tighnabruaich called out to assist motor yacht adrift in strong winds
On the afternoon of Saturday 20 June, RNLI lifeboat volunteers responded to a pager alert from the Coastguard to assist a large vessel which, having lost engine power, was adrift in Loch Fyne.
With Kames Coastguard Rescue Team in attendance on shore to support if necessary, the RNLI crew quickly assessed the situation liaising with the yacht's crew to set up to tow them to safety.
Given the strength of both wind and swell, and the size of the casualty vessel, the James and Helen Mason ILB slowly gave tow to a distance clear of any danger so the boat could safely anchor and await the assistance of an engineer.
RNLI helm Ewan Sim said the boat was 'the biggest we have ever towed to my knowledge.'
The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station and made ready for further service, with both crew and equipment subject to additional cleaning measures to combat the potential spread of coronavirus.
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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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