RNLI Tighnabruaich assist yacht off Ayrshire coast
Pagers alerted crew mid-afternoon on Saturday 12 September with the inshore lifeboat tasked to assist a yacht with a fouled propellor. With flank stations Largs and Troon off service, and RNLI Helensburgh already on a callout, crew set course around the Isle of Bute and towards Largs.
Arriving on scene in the lee of Great Cumbrae, crew on the James and Helen Mason found the 34ft yacht maintaining a circling pattern but unable to sail safely to their destination of Largs Marina. To ensure best control, the casualty vessel was taken under tow for the short distance to the safety of the marina. There it’s owner could then access support to release the propellor.
The lifeboat returned to RNLI Tighnabruaich where shore crew were waiting to receive the ILB, clean equipment down and prepare it for next service.
Always carry a means of communication and, if you experience difficulties on the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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