Donate now

Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat called to assist two sailing vessels off East Tarbet

Lifeboats News Release

Monday 12 August 2024, at 3:56 am, HM Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat to assist two sailing vessels with three people on board in difficulties at East Tarbet close to the Mull of Galloway.

Sailing boat on beach

RNLI/Richard Partington

Sailing vessel ashore at East Tarbet

The Shannon Class Lifeboat 13 25, Stella and Humfrey Berkeley launched with a full crew of six and headed towards the Mull of Galloway. Upon arrival at East Tarbet, it was already too late for one of the vessels, as its anchor had loosened in the high winds and the boat had been driven onto the shore. The single crew member from this vessel was safely ashore and in the care of HM Coastguard.

The two crew on the second vessel having been woken by the sounds of strong winds and their anchor dragging, were able to start the engine and weigh the anchor in time to move the boat to safety. Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat escorted them to Drummore Harbour where the local coastguard team assisted them.

John Connor, Senior Station Technician, Portpatrick RNLI said, ‘Our last three taskings have all been in this same area around the Mull of Galloway. The conditions this morning were challenging with force 6-7 winds and waves of 15-20ft. As we have said before, the Mull of Galloway is a very unpredictable area for wind and tidal swells. We remind everyone of the importance of checking the weather and tides before they set out and regularly throughout their sailing trip so they are able to change plans should the forecast be unfavourable.’

It is public support that allows the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea and our volunteers need your support.

To make a donation to the RNLI visit RNLI.org/support-us/give-money/donate

Notes to Editors

· Portpatrick Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1877. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Station

· John Connor, Senior Station Technician, Portpatrick Lifeboat is available for interview.

· Click here to access the RNLI 200th anniversary media pack, which contains a selection of RNLI archive images from key points in the charity’s history, a RNLI history timeline, and a film of ‘200 years in 200 seconds’ – all of which can be downloaded.

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.

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.