Tobermory RNLI lifeboat tows disabled fishing boat to safety
Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew went to the aid of a fishing boat with mechanical failure which was drifting towards the rocks at Calgary Bay on the west coast of Mull Saturday 20 February 2021.
The lifeboat was launched at 11:30 following a report that the fishing boat’s anchor was dragging about 100 metres from the shore in winds which were gusting up to 40 mph. The lifeboat made best speed and arrived at the scene 40 minutes later. Fortunately conditions were not as blustery as those encountered en route and the volunteer crew were able to quickly pass a line to the fishing boat and tow it to safety.
The fishing boat was towed to its home harbour where the skipper was able to effect a temporary repair and pick up a mooring with the lifeboat standing by. The lifeboat then returned to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones said: ‘The fishing boat was in a difficult position close to the rocks and the weather was forecast to deteriorate with the gale force wind veering from the south east to the south west. Fortunately, the quick thinking by Coxswain Iain Malcolm and the volunteer crew and excellent teamwork from the fishing boat’s crew meant that the tow was quickly established and the vessel pulled to safety’.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact
Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747601900 or [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]
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