Yacht aground sparks Oban RNLI launch
Oban RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch this afternoon (Monday 23 August) to assist a yacht that had run aground east of the Ballachulish bridge, in Loch Leven.
The volunteer crew of Oban lifeboat launched at the request of UK Coastguard at 4.10pm to assist a 32ft yacht, aground in Loch Leven. There was concern over water ingress onboard and a local RIB had diverted to assist in transferring the persons onboard, ashore where Fort William’s Coastguard Team we’re ready to assist.
The lifeboat made best speed towards the yachts location and arrived on scene by 5.30pm. A crew member was transferred onboard to assess the situation and as there appeared to be water ingress onboard, the lifeboat’s salvage pump was transferred along with another crew member to assist. With the water ingress under control, the local RIB assisted in transporting the vessel’s owner back onboard. It was then decided that the RIB would tow the yacht to a nearby mooring with the lifeboat standing by.
With the yacht safely secured and everyone safe, the two crew members onboard were transferred back onboard the lifeboat and the volunteer crew departed the scene by 7pm, arriving back in Oban refuelled and ready for service again by 8.30pm.
Our thanks go to the local RIB of iPowerboat for their assistance.
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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