Tobermory RNLI launches to yacht in difficulty off Iona

The pagers sounded just after 2.15pm and the volunteer crew made best speed to the casualty’s position 27 nautical miles from Tobermory. In challenging sea conditions with two metre seas and 40 knots of wind, the all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene 90 minutes later.

The 33ft yacht with two persons onboard had suffered engine failure and problems with their sails and had managed to anchor just off the west coast of the island of Iona which lies to the southwest of the Isle of Mull.

After assessing the situation, the decision was made to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven of Ulva Ferry. With one crew member on board the casualty vessel to assist the crew , the tow was secured and the lifeboat began the three hour tow to Ulva Ferry.

Once in the more sheltered waters nearing Ulva Ferry, the casualty vessel was secured in an alongside tow and the pontoons approached. Due to the wind conditions, it was deemed that putting the yacht alongside the pontoons would risk damage to the vessel. The coxswain made the decision to place the yacht on a nearby mooring.

With the casualty vessel secured, the all-weather lifeboat returned to her berth and was refuelled and made ready for service for 10.30pm. This eight hour service follows the 13 hour service undertaken earlier in the week to assist an aground cargo ship in the Sound of Mull.

Deputy Second Coxswain, Dave Underwood said: ‘This was a long shout in challenging sea conditions. We would like to thank the harbour master at Ulva Ferry and the two members of the public for their assistance while securing the casualty vessel.’

RNLI media contacts

Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711549609 or [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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 146,000 lives.

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