Kyle RNLI called to a catamaran aground on rocks near Plockton

Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 8:45am this morning to reports of a 36 foot catamaran aground on rocks close to Plockton Lighthouse. The lifeboat made best speed towards the scene and arrived at 8:55am, by which time there was a local small craft standing by to try and assist. The lifeboat put a crew member on board the casualty vessel just as it began to drift free from the rocks on the rising tide. With the wind pushing the yacht towards the shoreline, the lifeboat crew quickly established a tow and began towing the vessel back into Plockton harbour.

At 9:40am the catamaran was safely tied up to a mooring and the crew departed the scene and returned to Kyle, arriving back at 10:00am.

Speaking of the incident, a Kyle spokesperson said ‘The catamaran was travelling using its motor due to the strength of the wind, however unfortunately it suffered a mechanical failure and the engine cut out. With the onshore wind, it didn’t take long for the yacht to get blown onto the rocks. The sailor was well equipped and did the right thing in calling for assistance’.

Notes to editors

· Please credit the picture to Kyle RNLI

RNLI media contacts

Andrew MacDonald, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07748 707606 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920365929 or [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.