
Tobermory RNLI responds to two taskings in 24 hours
Tobermory lifeboat’s volunteer crew were tasked on two occasions over the weekend. Once to a man overboard alert on a lifejacket, and then to an injured person onboard a yacht.
The crew were paged shortly after 5.30pm on Friday 5 July after a man overboard alert from a lifejacket was transmitted to AIS and its location identified to a small area in the region of the moorings situated in Tobermory Bay.
The lifeboat made way to the identified location, just a few hundred metres from her berth and the crew spoke to several people onboard moored yachts and ascertained there was nobody in the water. After checking their equipment, the crew of the first vessel approached by the lifeboat found that the automated man overboard function on one of their lifejackets had accidentally activated. After checking the serial number of the jacket against information on AIS, the crew stood down and returned to the berth.
The accuracy of the position shown on AIS is testament to the values of carrying such equipment and enables RNLI crew to pinpoint a casualty much faster. Although this was a false alarm in this case it doubles as valuable training and experience for the crew.
The pagers sounded again just after 9.20am on Saturday 6 July. The volunteer crew were tasked by the UK Coastguard to assist an injured person onboard a yacht in the Sound of Mull, 5 miles southeast of Tobermory. The casualty had suffered burns to her arm and neck from boiling water. The yacht’s crew had administered appropriate first aid to the casualty in cooling the burns and protecting the burns using clingfilm which aided a speedy transfer to the lifeboat. On passage back to Tobermory, the casualty was given further care from the trained volunteer crew.
The lifeboat proceeded to pontoons in Tobermory where she was secured with the assistance of Tobermory Coastguard whilst waiting for the ambulance to attend. The casualty was checked over by a paramedic and given medical advice. In the meantime, the yacht had made its way into the harbour and was assisted in getting secured by members of Tobermory Coastguard. The casualty was then able to meet up with her yacht again.
Coxswain David McHaffie said; ‘This was a good multi agency response that resulted in smooth and efficient treatment for the casualty. Thanks to the crew of the casualty’s vessel for their help and providing initial first aid. We wish her a speedy recovery.’
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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