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Islay RNLI launch twice to the Sound of Jura

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday 11 October at 6.26am Coastguard UK requested Islay RNLI launch in response to a man overboard beacon off the north of the Isle of Jura. The following Monday, 14 October, the volunteer crew launched to a yacht with total power loss, reportedly becalmed off the east coast of Jura.

Islay RNLI lifeboat sits in the water, centre of the image, bow facing the camera. There is a dusky, yello and pink sunrise behind.

RNLI/Islay RNLI

Islay RNLI all-weather lifeboat launches twice over four days

On Friday the Islay RNLI all-weather lifeboat, a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter and Jura Coastguard rescue team were all tasked to the area to search for a potential casualty in the water. The five volunteer RNLI crew on the lifeboat made good speed towards the area. The Coastguard helicopter scanned the area but nothing was found. At the same time Coastguard UK managed to contact the vessel associated with the beacon. They confirmed that no one was overboard and it was realised that the beacon was transmitting a false signal.

All teams were stood down and the Islay RNLI crew returned to Port Askaig where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 10.15am.

On Monday at 4.32pm the RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch again. It was understood that an 11m yacht was becalmed without any power or means of navigation in the Sound of Jura. Due to these circumstances the decision was made to launch. The RNLI all-weather Severn lifeboat made way with six volunteer crew on board. Upon reaching the casualty vessel it was established that they had managed to regain power and were happy to proceed unaided to the nearest safe haven.

Islay lifeboat returned to Port Askaig at 8.10pm and was made ready for service again.

An Islay RNLI lifeboat spokesperson said: ‘We are happy that both call outs ended well. Islay RNLI would like to thank those vessels and rescue teams in the area who assisted with the call outs. These incidents serve as a reminder to always be prepared for an emergency situation while at sea. Ensure your engine is well maintained and carry adequate tools and spares. With all activities we strongly encourage people to take a means of calling for help that is most suitable to their activity. We advise that they know how to use it and where it is a personal device to keep it on their person. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, on VHF use channel 16.’.

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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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