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Tobermory RNLI launches to assist motorboat near Staffa

Lifeboats News Release

The UK Coastguard requested the launch of the Tobermory all-weather lifeboat on Wednesday 28 July 2021 after a motor vessel suffered mechanical failure.

Tobermory Lifeboat

RNLI

Tobermory Lifeboat

The volunteer crew were paged just after midday and the Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey made best speed to the casualty vessel arriving on scene 50 minutes after launching. The vessel, an 8m motorboat with two crew onboard, had broken down 0.5 nautical miles to the west of the northerly tip of island of Staffa, which lies off the west coast of the Isle of Mull.

After assessing the situation, coxswain David McHaffie made the decision to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven; Ulva Ferry on the west coast of Mull. The vessel was secured alongside on the pontoons and the lifeboat returned to Tobermory where she was refuelled and made ready for service by 5pm.

This was the first launch authorised by new Deputy Launching Authority, Harry Hayward. Welcome to the team Harry!


Notes to editors; Tobermory RNLI are embarking on a fundraising challenge during the month of August in place of Lifeboat Day.
More information: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2021/july/25/join-tobermory-rnli-for-the-tob2tob-3205-mile-challenge... https://www.facebook.com/groups/tob2tob





Casualty vessel alongside at Ulva Ferry pontoons

RNLI/Paul Gunn

Casualty vessel alongside at Ulva Ferry pontoons

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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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