Oban RNLI assists yacht in gale force winds
Oban Lifeboat’s volunteer crew were called upon yesterday afternoon (Monday 3 May) to assist a yacht in difficulty, in a strong easterly wind
The UK Coastguard requested the launch of Oban lifeboat ‘Mora Edith MacDonald’ shortly after 2pm as a yacht was requiring assistance at the entrance to Loch Craignish. The 32ft sailing boat with two persons on board had encountered issues with their sails when a line snapped, preventing them from furling their headsail.
The two persons on board were well equipped but with the wind gusting gale 8 (around 40mph) and driving rain on scene, they had made the decision to keep themselves safe in the cockpit of their boat instead of risking their safety on deck trying to resolve the issue. Fortunately, they were able to maintain their position under engine until help arrived.
Oban lifeboat arrived with the vessel at the south end of Loch Craignish, by 3.10pm. With conditions on scene still poor, a crew member was transferred on board to help assist the crew and the sail was dropped and secured to deck. With everyone onboard safe and well, the yacht was able to make way under its own engine and so proceeded towards Ardfern Yacht Centre with the lifeboat standing by.
The lifeboat proceeded into the marina first, transferring crew members ashore to assist in securing the yacht. With the vessel safely alongside by 4pm, the lifeboat departed the scene.
This was the first call out for our newest crew member, Jasmin Manning who joined our team of volunteers earlier this year. Jasmin, a student at the Scottish Association of Marine Science said “I’d not long finished my first exam of the semester when the pagers sounded! I was excited to get out on my first shout.”
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.