Islay RNLI helps motor cruiser damaged by rocks

Islay’s volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat, The Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II, with five crew on board and made their way to the casualty vessel’s location. The cruiser had struck submerged rocks at speed and lost its propellers. Its VHF radio was found to be inoperable, but the Islay lifeboat crew were able to make contact via mobile phone.

On scene, a local fishing boat aided the motor cruiser into deeper waters, allowing the lifeboat to assist in a more navigable area. The decision was made by the coxswain to tow the motor cruiser to a safe and suitable port, Port Askaig.

The lifeboat made its way back to Port Askaig with the casualty vessel and returned at 12.40pm. The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 1.30pm.

Islay RNLI’s relief coxswain, Fergus McGlone, said: ‘This incident had a good ending but acts as a reminder to always check your vessel’s communication equipment at the start of the boating season and ensure regular checks. Islay lifeboat wish to send a massive thank you to the local fishing boat for their assistance. It’s lovely to see the maritime community helping each other out. It was a good team effort resulting in a positive outcome.’

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.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Hannett, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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