RNLI Tighnabruaich in very close call
Volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to aid a yacht drifting perilously close to the shore by the station slipway on Sunday afternoon.
Being propelled shoreward by the wind and rising tide, the inshore lifeboat was required to tow the yacht to safety before it ran aground.
Having seen the boat drift ever closer to the seawall, an observer on the shore was able to shout to those on board and ask if they needed assistance, then call the Coastguard on their behalf. Pagers summoned volunteer crew, the lifeboat James and Helen Mason was quickly launched and alongside able to assess the situation.
Having boarded the casualty vessel, crew commander Ewan Sim explained “we checked the health of casualties then set a tow up, then towed on to a safe mooring off the station”. The owners of the vessel were in good health and had believed the vessel to have sufficient fuel for their planned journey. Unfortunately, this was not the case. They opted to remain on board overnight while awaiting a tow contractor to return them home the following day.
When enjoying leisure activities on or near the shore, always carry a means of calling for help. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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.
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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.