Longhope RNLI Assists Drifting Yole Following Gear Failure

At 18.42pm on 09 June 2026, the Longhope pagers sounded and our volunteer crew quickly assembled. At 18.50pm RNLB Helen Comrie launched to assist a yole which was drifting due to a failure of its sailing gear. The vessel, carrying a sole occupant, was being affected by the wind and tide. The occupant had raised the alarm after experiencing difficulties.

The lifeboat was quickly on scene, and the volunteer crew established a tow, safely bringing the yole back to Longhope.

The lifeboat returned to station at 19.26pm and was made ready for service once again.

Alan Mackinnon, Lifeboat Operations Manager, commented, ‘I’d like to thank everyone involved in this successful rescue mission. Following the pager activation, the volunteer crew responded swiftly and professionally, locating the drifting yole and its sole occupant before safely towing the vessel back to Longhope. This incident serves as an important reminder that even experienced sailors can encounter unexpected equipment failures. The occupant did exactly the right thing by raising the alarm early, allowing the volunteer crew to assist before the situation deteriorated. My thanks go to the volunteer crew for their prompt response and continued dedication to keeping our waters safe. As always, we’re pleased that both the occupant and vessel were returned safely to shore.’

Advice for sailors

• If you experience equipment failure or find yourself drifting and unable to make safe progress, don't wait until the situation becomes an emergency. Wind, tide and sea conditions can quickly turn a manageable problem into a dangerous one.

• Raise the alarm early and seek assistance as soon as you have concerns about your ability to safely control your vessel.

• Ensure you carry a means of communication, such as a VHF radio or fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case and always let someone know your plans before heading out.

• Regularly check and maintain your vessel and sailing equipment and consider carrying spare lines or emergency repair equipment where appropriate.

• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Calling for help early gives the Coastguard and RNLI more time and more options to assist you safely.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Vicky Mackinnon, 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.