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Islay RNLI called to yacht aground

Lifeboats News Release

On Thursday 08 November at 11.57pm Islay RNLI launched following a request from Coastguard UK. A 29ft yacht with two persons on board was aground on rocks in a small bay at Ardmore, on the southeast of Islay.

RNLI/Islay RNLI

Islay’s all-weather Severn lifeboat launched with six volunteer crew on board. The conditions were dry but with strong southerly winds. Upon reaching the scene the yacht was seen to be rocking in the swell. The local Coastguard team were onshore to assist in the rescue.

With careful navigation the lifeboat crew made way into bay. Due to the shallow waters and the need to quickly assist the casualty vessel, the lifeboat’s smaller Y-boat was launched with two volunteer crew on board to assess the situation. The Y-boat crew noticed that the yacht now looked like it was afloat but was still in a very precarious situation. Although the winds made for difficult conditions, a tow rope was quickly established and the yacht was towed off the rocks. It was decided that the lifeboat would tow the yacht to the nearest safe and suitable port. With the tow line secured a course was set for Port Ellen where the casualty vessel was met by the local Coastguard. Islay RNLI made the journey back to Port Askaig where the lifeboat was moored and made ready for service by 5.20am.

Islay lifeboat wish to thank the local Coastguard for assisting in the rescue.

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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