Yacht sparks launch of Oban RNLI in strong winds
Oban Lifeboat’s assistance was requested this afternoon (Friday 21 May) as a yacht had dragged its anchor and run aground in a strong northerly wind.
The UK Coastguard requested the launch of Oban lifeboat ‘Mora Edith MacDonald’ at 3.40pm to assist a 30ft yacht with 2 people on board that had run aground in the popular anchorage of Puilladobhrain, at the north end of Seil island.
As the lifeboat made best speed towards the anchorage, it was understood that the yacht had managed to refloat itself and reposition their anchor. Thankfully all were safe on board and no damage was sustained, but both persons were shaken from the experience and with winds gusting 35mph it was decided best to escort the yacht back to Oban.
Arriving on scene at 4.10pm, a crew member was transferred onboard to assist. Their anchor was lifted but the gusty wind meant that they didn’t have time to stow it properly. The yacht battled the strong winds and made way under their own engine as the lifeboat led them out of the anchorage. The northerly wind had picked up a sea and presented challenging conditions for the 30ft yacht as they proceeded back towards Oban.
Once in some relative shelter the crew member onboard was able to make their way forwards to stow their anchor, preventing it from damaging the yachts hull.
Arriving back in Oban by 6pm, another crew member was put onboard to assist with securing alongside and the yacht was safely berthed at the North Pier Pontoons by 6.10pm with the assistance of Oban’s Coastguard Rescue Team.
The volunteer crew then returned to station, refuelled and ready for service again by 6.30pm.
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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