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RNLI Tighnabruaich launch to assist yacht with smoking engine.

Lifeboats News Release

Pagers alerted volunteer crew to make way to the station just after 6pm on Monday 7th October and the inshore lifeboat was prepared for launch. The yacht had called the Coastguard requesting assistance due to excessive smoke, turned the engine off and awaited help.

The tractor trailer manoeuvres into the water to launch the inshore lifeboat

RNLI/Jane Boyd

Lifeboat launches from the tractor trailer

Due to work and half-term holiday commitments just three boat crew were available, the minimum required for launching the Atlantic 85. The James and Helen Mason set course for Skate Island in lower Loch Fyne, arriving on the scene as darkness closed in.

The yacht’s crew advised their becalmed yacht was no longer experiencing smoke and it’s engine was functioning. Rather than proceed with their intended journey, it was deemed wise to berth nearby and check the engine more thoroughly. After escorting the yacht to the nearby Portavadie marina to seek mechanical support, the Atlantic 85 returned to station and was made ready for next service.

When sailing always carry a means of calling or signalling for help. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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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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