Dawn shout for Islay RNLI in search for overdue yacht
The volunteer crew of the Severn class Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II launched this morning at 5.10am (Sunday 16th May) to aid in the search of a 17ft sailing yacht in Loch Sween. The yacht was reported overdue by a family member when they had not heard from them at the expected time.
Sailing in favourable conditions, the Islay crew arrived at Loch Sween, near Lochgilphead, to assist in the search. Oban RNLI, Tarbert Coastguard and the Coastguard UK rescue helicopter from Preswick were also tasked to the incident. After searching the loch, the Islay RNLI Severn class steered into Tayvallich harbour where further communication with the Coastguard and a local boat in the harbour located the yacht safely moored there.
The person on board was well and their family informed and reassured. Islay RNLI coxswain, David MacLellan, says: ‘It was a good result on this occasion to find the boat safely moored. The concerned family member was right to call the Coastguard and we are pleased all was well”.
Islay RNLI were stood down, returning to Port Askaig where once refuelled the lifeboat was ready for service by 9.10am.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.