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Islay RNLI miss own charity concert due to launch

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday 21 September at 3.08pm Coastguard UK requested Islay RNLI launch to help a motor cruiser without power. Due to the call-out the volunteer crew missed out on attending a charity concert in support of the RNLI, where they and the RNLI all-weather lifeboat were to be guests of honour.

Jessica Morrison

Islay's all-weather RNLI lifeboat returning to Port Askaig

The Islay RNLI Severn class lifeboat and volunteer crew were expected at the event hosted by Laphroaig distillery just a few hours after the pagers went off. However, duty called and they quickly assembled and launched the all-weather lifeboat. The seven volunteer crew on board made way in sunny, clear conditions with a light easterly wind. The lifeboat made good speed to the 11m casualty vessel located to the east of Jura. To prevent the cruiser running aground or being a danger to other vessels in the area a decision was made to tow them to the nearest safe and suitable port at Crinan.

The lifeboat secured a towline and the cruiser was taken to Crinan where it was moored safely. Islay’s volunteer crew made way back to Port Askaig down the Sound of Islay returning at 7.45pm where the boat was made ready for service.

Islay RNLI coxswain David MacLellan said: ‘While it was disappointing that the lifeboat couldn’t make an appearance on the big night, being called out just goes to show our volunteers will drop everything at any time to help those in trouble at sea. The event still went ahead without us and thankfully the musical entertainment, refreshments and local stalls all went a long way to help raise funds for the RNLI. Although the crew were disappointed to not make it ashore to enjoy the barbecue, we would like to thank those who enjoyed the night and the team who organised the whole event.’.

RNLI/Islay RNLI

One crew member made the concert, RNLI mascot Stormy Stan

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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