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Tighnabruaich RNLI lifeboat rescue casualty and capsized catamaran.

Lifeboats News Release

Responding to reports from a passing yacht who spotted the casualty, volunteer crew from RNLI Tighnabruaich were tasked on Sunday afternoon and set out in a freshening westerly.

Lifeboat launching from the trailer

RNLI/Jane Boyd

The lifeboat launch
The stricken vessel was located about half a mile south of Ardlamont Point with it’s sole occupant on the upturned hull of the 5 meter catamaran.

The casualty had been in the water for approximately forty five minutes and was visibly cold, so the initial action was to take them on board the lifeboat and address this while transporting to the shore of Bute where Rothesay Coastguard Rescue Team were waiting to continue casualty care. With the casualty safely transferred, the inshore lifeboat returned to sea to relocate the drifting yacht.

Obscured in the building waves, the crew located again the upturned hulls and started work to right the vessel. Although hampered by the windy conditions, the righted vessel was subsequently taken under tow to rendezvous again with Rothesay CRT at Ettrick Bay on Bute, and reunite vessel with owner.

With their lengthy mission successfully completed, the lifeboat was then able to return to the station where shore crew were on hand to prepare the inshore lifeboat for next service.

When venturing onto the water, always take a means to call for help and check the weather before you go. If you see someone in difficulty at sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.