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Islay and Oban RNLI launch to mayday call from fishing vessel

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday 13 December at 8.28am Islay RNLI were tasked to a vessel taking on water and sending out a mayday call, south of Mull and Iona. Coastguard UK requested both Islay and Oban RNLI lifeboat crews launch to the fishing vessel.

Islay RNLI/Billy Stitchell

Islay RNLI responding to mayday call close to Iona

Islay’s all-weather Severn lifeboat launched with five volunteer crew on board. The conditions allowed for good speed up the Sound of Islay and Islay lifeboat arrived on scene at 9.50am. A CalMac ferry, Loch Buie, was already on scene and had secured a tow to the casualty vessel. Oban RNLI arrived shortly after at 10am and a Coastguard UK search and rescue helicopter was also in attendance to assist as required.

The fishing vessel had been aground on rocks and wave conditions had sent water into the open hold. The three crew on board had wisely readied their life raft in case of evacuation from the boat.

Working closely together with Islay RNLI and the Loch Buie, and in changing conditions, Oban RNLI transferred a salvage pump onto the fishing boat. Once enough water had been displaced from the hold, it was established that the vessel was still unable to make way unaided. The decision was made to tow the fishing vessel to the nearest safe and suitable port, Oban.

The tow was passed over to the Islay RNLI crew with Oban RNLI standing by. Islay’s volunteer crew towed east towards the Garvellachs. At 12.45pm Oban RNLI took over, heading north east to Oban.

Once stood down, Islay RNLI made the journey back to Port Askaig arriving at 2.10pm. The lifeboat was then moored and made ready for service.

Islay RNLI lifeboat wish to thank Oban RNLI crew, CalMac and the Loch Buie crew, the local vessels in the area who responded and Coastguard UK search and rescue team for assisting in the operation, which thanks to everyone’s quick action, had a successful outcome.

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or 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.

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