Tobermory lifeboat launches in gale force winds to stricken yacht

When the launch request came through at 7pm, the crew were already at the lifeboat station for the regular Tuesday night training session. Before the launch page sounded, the volunteer crew were already kitting up and getting ready to go to sea. The Severn Class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey left the berth as darkness was falling in gale force winds of up to 40 knots.

The yacht, with two persons onboard, had a jammed foresail, and the engine was overwhelmed working against the gale force winds. With a clear risk to life, the decision was quickly made to attach a tow and bring the yacht to the safety of Tobermory harbour.

In rough seas, the lifeboat secured the tow and proceeded towards shelter. Once the stern tow was switched to an alongside tow in Tobermory Bay, the lifeboat made way to the pontoons. Once secured alongside, the lifeboat’s salvage pump was used to remove water from the yacht’s bilges, which was later found to be from an exhaust pipe, possibly damaged due to the sea state. With the water pumped out, it was confirmed there was no further water ingress.

With the assistance of the Tobermory Coastguard Rescue Team, the jammed sail was secured to avoid damage through the night to allow the yacht skipper to attend to the issue once the wind dropped.

Coxswain David McHaffie said: ‘This was a service carried out in challenging conditions and the crew ensured the yacht and its passengers were brought to safety quickly and efficiently. We thank the coastguard team for their help at the pontoons and the skipper of a nearby fishing vessel who offered assistance after hearing the call for help on Channel 16.’