Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig Lifeboats assist cargo vessel in Kylerhea Narrows
The RNLI volunteers from both Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig were paged at 7:34am Sunday 18th February, to assist the 1200 tonne cargo vessel 'CEG Universe' which was disabled with a broken rudder in the Kylerhea narrows
Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 7:44am and made best speed towards the 65 metre vessel, which was using its anchor to try and hold position in the very strong tidal currents through the narrows. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 7:53am and put crew members aboard the stricken vessel to assess the situation, whilst awaiting the arrival of the larger Mallaig Severn class lifeboat.
Due to the 8 knots of tide which runs through the channel, and the fact that the cargo vessel’s rudder was jammed full to port, it was decided to wait for a tug to assist with the tow. Whilst awaiting on the arrival of the SD Kyle of Lochalsh from the BUTEC base in Kyle, the casualty vessel’s anchor brake failed and the vessel began to drift backwards. Mallaig and Kyle lifeboats took the cargo vessel under tow and held it against the current until the tug arrived on scene at 10:15am.
The SD Kyle of Lochalsh and the two lifeboats then manoeuvred the cargo vessel through the Narrows and towed it into Kyle Harbour at 12:10pm. The lifeboats were then stood down and Kyle lifeboat returned to station to be refuelled and made ready for service.
Notes to editors:
- Please credit the photographs to Kyle RNLI
- Video of the incident may be available later today
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