Mayday call sparks launch of Oban RNLI Lifeboat
Oban RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch last night (Thursday 28 May) after a Mayday call from a vessel at the north end of Lismore.
The volunteer crew of Oban RNLI Lifeboat ‘Mora Edith MacDonald’ launched on service at 12.41am, a ‘Mayday’ call had been received by UK Coastguard from a vessel at the north end of Lismore, it was understood to be taking on water.
While the lifeboat made best speed to the casualty’s location, the vessel informed them that they had managed to stop the water ingress, but in doing so had reduced their propulsion to only one engine. Given the location of the vessel and it’s close proximity to the coastline and navigational hazards it was decided the lifeboat should proceed to the scene and escort the vessel back to its berth in Loch Creran.
Once safely alongside, Oban lifeboat departed and returned back to Oban where she was refuelled and made ready for service again by 3am.
Leonie Mead, Oban Lifeboat’s Press Officer said “While the RNLI continues to advise caution while using our coasts and to ‘Stop. Think. Stay Safe’, dangers still exist and we are thankful that the vessel in this instance was able to assist themselves by stopping the water ingress. Lifeboats around the country remain ready to launch should they be required, please consider your safety and the safety of others if you are able to access the coast, and, if you see someone at risk dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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