RNLI Tighnabruaich lifeboat launches to assist stricken yacht
Volunteer RNLI crew responded to a shout on Thursday 10 September at 10.02 pm launching the inshore lifeboat to assist a 40ft yacht which had run aground on steep rocks at nearby Caladh Harbour. It was the second launch in as many days in a busy week for local rescue services.
The crew first checked those on board for injury and illness and ascertaining they had suffered no injuries, then carried out an assessment of the yacht.
While damage to the yacht was light, it’s rudder was jammed in the rocks and the tide was falling rapidly so towing it off the rocks was not viable without risking significant damage. The RNLI crew instead ran the yacht’s anchor into deeper water in the harbour so it could be safely manoeuvred off the rocks when the tide rose again around 3am. Kames Coastguard Rescue Team volunteers were present on shore to assist - attending their third call out of the week - but the yacht’s crew were satisfied to stay on board.
The ILB James and Helen Mason then returned to station, crew stood down, and the lifeboat made ready for service.
Commenting on the yacht’s predicament, lifeboat Helm Ewan Sim advised: 'A good flashlight or torch would have been handy for close quarters manoeuvres in the dark. As the days shorten, it is even more important to be aware of tide times and conditions” when on or near the water. In an emergency at sea call 999 and ask for the coastguard.'
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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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