Tobermory RNLI lifeboat goes to the aid of yacht aground in Loch Sunart
Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew went to the aid of a yacht aground near Salen, Loch Sunart on the afternoon of Monday 15 August 2022.
Just 24 hours after hosting Lifeboat Day for the first time since August 2019, Tobermory’s volunteer crew were paged at 15:52 by the UK Coastguard following the report of a yacht aground on rocks close to Salen harbour. The vessel had grounded some hours earlier and its skipper was hoping to re-float on the rising tide. However, as the tide rose, the wind also picked up and although the yacht’s crew had put out an anchor, it was failing to hold. Consequently, the yacht was at risk of being blown further on to the rocks.
Tobermory RNLI’s volunteer crew swiftly launched their Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, and proceeded at top speed to the reported location of the yacht. On arrival at the scene, the yacht had managed to re-float and its crew was motoring to Tobermory. The lifeboat was stood down by the UK Coastguard and returned to Tobermory where it was made ready for service shortly before 18:00.
Deputy Second Coxswain Dave Underwood said, ‘The yacht skipper took the correct action in reporting his concerns to the Coastguard and we’re all pleased that the vessel managed to re-float without being further grounded by the wind’.
Notes to editors
A press release concerning Lifeboat Day will be published in the next few days.
RNLI media contacts
Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07747601900 or [email protected]
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