RNLI Tighnabruaich launch to assist yacht reporting engine fire

RNLI volunteers at Tighnabruaich station launched the James and Helen Mason inshore lifeboat to lend assistance. Arriving at the scene, the skipper of the yacht reported he had extinguished the fire, and all other crew were safely aboard another vessel. Two firefighters were transferred by lifeboat to carry out safety checks on the casualty vessel, to ensure the fire was out.

Once safety was confirmed, the firefighters were returned to shore, and the lifeboat stood by until the yacht’s support vessel arrived and took the casualty in tow. The lifeboat stood by the tow until clear of Colintraive, then returned to station, refuelled and made ready for service.

Lifeboat Helm Garry Coyle commended the actions of the stricken vessel’s skipper – “if it wasn’t for the quick reactions of the skipper it may have been a worse outcome today”.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, you should call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard

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.