Islay RNLI called to yacht in Corryvreckan whirlpool
On Saturday 16 May at 1.26pm Islay RNLI were requested to launch by HM Coastguard UK to a 10m yacht with two people on board. The yacht was reported to be in difficulty in the Corryvreckan whirlpool at the north end of the Isle of Jura.
Islay RNLI launched the all-weather lifeboat Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II, with six crew on board. Conditions were clear and calm with an occasional rain shower as the lifeboat made good speed up the Sound of Islay. The crew of the casualty yacht had concerns that they were at risk of losing engine power after struggling against the strong tide for several hours.
Upon reaching the scene the yacht had managed to exit the Corryvreckan to the east and the lifeboat was able to escort them into safer waters up the coast where they continued their passage. Islay’s volunteer crew were stood down and returned to Port Askaig to refuel and make the lifeboat ready for service by 5pm.
Bruce Rae, Relief RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘The Corryvreckan whirlpool is renowned, said to be the world’s third largest permanent whirlpool. The waters at Corryvreckan can be very dangerous with fantastically strong tidal currents and standing waves. Great care and planning should be taken when navigating this area. We are pleased this shout resolved itself and our volunteer crew were able to assist and ensure everyone was safe.’.
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.
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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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