Tobermory RNLI assists with fire on passenger ferry

The volunteer crew were paged at 3.25pm by the UK Coastguard and assembled along with local firefighters and the coastguard rescue team. Three members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue service and one member of the Tobermory coastguard team were transported to the vessel. After manoeuvring alongside, two of the fire crew were transferred to the ferry with breathing apparatus to assess the situation.

It was found that the crew of the ferry had swiftly and successfully extinguished the fire which had started in a vehicle on the car deck. After thorough checks, the fire crew were satisfied that there was no further danger to the vessel and she was deemed safe to continue her onward journey. With the fire crew back onboard, Tobermory lifeboat returned to her berth and was made ready for service by 5.30pm.

Deputy Second Coxswain Dave Underwood said: ‘Thanks to the swift actions of the ferry crew, any danger to passengers and crew was averted before we were on scene. We are pleased with the successful outcome of this call out and glad to be of assistance in transporting members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue service to ensure the ferry was safe to continue her journey. A great example of working with our emergency service colleagues in this multi-agency incident.’

For further information, please contact

Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711549609 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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