Tighnabruaich lifeboat responds to call out on route to fundraiser.
RNLI Tighnabruaich launched their inshore lifeboat on the morning of Saturday 4th June to attend and raise awareness at a local Jubilee fundraiser when they were diverted by a call out.
Shortly after launch and just north of Ardlamont buoy, Belfast coastguard reported a 999 call requiring the volunteer lifeboat crew to change course to assist as, from the shore of Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute, one person on a lightweight inflatable boat was in difficulty having been blown away from the shore by the strong breeze.
The lifeboat was on scene in just a couple of minutes where a nearby yacht had noticed the inflatable and been able to take the occupant onboard their vessel. Lifeboat crew ensured the person was well and agreed safe transfer back to shore on the yacht’s tender. Lifeboat Helm Heather Whyte explained “we discovered that it was actually the partner of the person drifting out that made the decision to jump in the water and swim to shore and call for help when they realised the difficulty they were in”. Fortunately personal flotation devices were in use. Even when planning to stay close to shore it is recommended also to carry a means of calling for help and to be aware weather and tide conditions.
The lifeboat was subsequently stood down and continued on with the journey to the fundraising event at Otter Ferry. Arranged by the local RNLI fundraising team who are also volunteers, the event proved a great success with supporters enjoying music, food and a dog show in the sunshine. An impressive sum of over £1300 was raised. The RNLI is dependant on fundraising and donations to ensure it’s work continues as the charity that saves lives at sea.
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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