Oban RNLI launches to reports of kayaker in difficulty
Oban RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch this afternoon (Thursday 26 November) after a person on shore reported seeing a kayaker in difficulty in Ardmucknish bay.
Oban lifeboat ‘Mora Edith MacDonald’ launched on service at 2pm and proceeded to the location given, along with a number of other vessels in the area who also responded to the Coastguard’s ‘Pan Pan’ alert.
The lifeboat searched the immediate area and provided search instructions for the other vessels also on scene. Oban’s Coastguard Rescue Team were also conducting shoreline searches. With nothing immediately found, the lifeboat proceeded into Loch Etive to investigate an object raising concern. On arrival, it was clear that this was a mooring buoy partly submerged by the strong tide flooding into the loch. The volunteer crew carried out another search within the loch, while the remaining vessels searched further out with Ardmucknish bay.
With nothing found, all vessels were requested to stand down by 3.10pm. The lifeboat returned to Oban where she was refuelled and made ready for service again by 4pm.
Our thanks to the vessels in the area that responded and offered their assistance during the search.
Although this turned out to be a false alarm with good intent the outcome could have been very different. If you see someone in difficulty, remember to call 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.