Islay RNLI paged amid Scotland’s tense football World Cup Qualifier
During a much anticipated match for Scottish football fans, on Tuesday 18 November, at 8.40pm Islay RNLI lifeboat crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist a yacht dragging its anchor, in a small bay south of Carsaig Bay in the Sound of Jura.
As many of Islay’s volunteer crew were enjoying watching their home team in a tense World Cup qualifying match, their pagers sounded. Always ready to answer the call, six crew members quickly assembled and launched the RNLI Severn-class lifeboat Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II from Port Askaig. Conditions were challenging, with passing showers, a 2-3metre swell and a strong northerly wind gusting 45mph, increasing to 57mph at the mouth of the Sound of Islay. Despite the weather, Islay’s lifeboat crew made good speed towards the yacht’s location.
Upon reaching the area, the sea conditions of the narrow and shallow bay meant the all-weather lifeboat would not be able to safely reach the casualty vessel. The weather conditions were too hazardous to deploy the smaller Y-boat daughter craft. HM Coastguard UK tasked their rescue helicopter from Prestwick to the scene. Islay lifeboat stood by until the person on board was winched to safety.
Islay’s lifeboat crew made way back to Port Askaig, arriving home at 1.45am, where the lifeboat was made ready for service but the match was long since finished.
Islay RNLI Deputy Launch Authority, Graham Paterson, said: ‘Our crew are always ready to launch, 24/7. We are all relieved that this rescue ended safely. The RNLI urges all sea users to ensure they are fully prepared before heading out. Always carry more than one means of calling for help - such as a VHF radio in addition to a mobile phone - make sure everyone on board has an appropriate lifejacket, and check that you have sufficient fuel for your planned passage and any unforeseen changes.’.
Notes to editors
Islay lifeboat station has been operating since 1934. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/islay-lifeboat-station
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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