Tobermory RNLI lifeboat launches following reports of dense black smoke

Stornoway Coastguard paged Tobermory RNLI's volunteer crew at 12:30 following the receipt of several reports of dense black smoke 3.5 miles SSW of Ardnamurchan Point. On arriving at the scene, the volunteer crew carried out a six leg expanding square search pattern (see photo) and also made enquiries with various vessels in the vicinity. Having found no evidence of a vessel or person in distress, the all-weather lifeboat was stood down and returned to Tobermory where it was refuelled and made ready for service just before 15:30.

This was the first 'shout' for new volunteer crew Isla Robertson, one of five new trainee crew members at Tobermory RNLI lifeboat station.

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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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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