Islay RNLI crew member’s wedding about to start as pagers sound
At 13.25pm this Saturday (July 24th) as wedding guests were making their way to Dunlossit House above Islay RNLI’s station, the pagers of the volunteer crew sounded. They were requested to launch to the aid of a vessel taking on water off the south coast of the Isle of Mull.
With one crew member arriving more smartly dressed than usual, the Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II made good speed in calm, clear conditions towards the troubled sailing boat with 5 persons on-board. Oban and Tobermory RNLI crews were also tasked to the shout. The Coastguard UK Search and Rescue helicopter was on scene to assist along with a Calmac passenger ferry that was close by.
News was received on route that the vessel had managed to stop water ingress and water levels had dropped. While they confirmed they were out of danger of sinking the vessel was left without means of propulsion. Oban RNLI arrived on scene to assess the situation and the decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe and suitable port.
Islay's volunteer crew were stood down and returned to Port Askaig where, once refuelled the RNLI lifeboat was ready for service by 15:45pm. As was rightly said, “It wouldn't be a lifeboat wedding without a shout!”.
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