Islay RNLI called to distress alert off Gigha
The busy streak of shouts for Islay RNLI continued on Wednesday 12 July with a request to launch to a distress alert (DSC) from a vessel north-east of Tarbert Bay, Isle of Gigha at 11:01am. This was the volunteer’s sixth call-out in 2 weeks.
Islay’s all-weather lifeboat with five volunteer crew on board launched from Port Askaig making way through the Sound of Islay. The UK Coastguard helicopter was on scene, near Gigha, to locate the vessel sending the DSC (Digital Selective Calling). With the casualty vessel located, Islay’s crew were stood down and returned to station.
The all-weather Severn lifeboat was back at Port Askaig at 12:10 pm and was made ready for service.
A DSC is a recognised emergency radio signal, communicating a distress message to shore stations and vessels in range. The alert, followed by a mayday voice call on Channel 16, will also transmit your location. To learn more about how to call for help at sea visit: https://rnli.org/safety/how-to-call-for-help-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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