Islay RNLI launch twice in five days
On Tuesday June 02 at 12.27pm Islay RNLI were tasked to launch by HM Coastguard UK to an unconscious diver after a rapid ascent. The volunteer crew were called out again on Saturday June 06 at 3.34pm to a yacht with no power off the coast of Islay and one person on board.
On the first call out, five crew launched the all-weather RNLI lifeboat the Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II and made haste to the vessel with the diver on board, located southwest of Gigha. An HM Coastguard helicopter was also making way to the scene. Upon the lifeboat crew reaching the area the Coastguard helicopter was preparing to undertake an airlift of the now conscious casualty. Islay RNLI stood by to assist further if needed.
The second request to launch was to a yacht which was suffering engine failure in Claggan Bay off the southeast of Islay. A nearby vessel was able to assist the yacht out of danger from the bay. The decision was made on scene by the coxswain to tow the yacht to the nearest safe and suitable port, Port Ellen, ensuing everyone was safe, well and the yacht was not a danger to others.
Thank you from Islay RNLI to all vessels and services who assisted in these rescues.
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]
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.