Kyle RNLI respond to a Mayday call from a yacht aground taking on water

Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 5:28pm this afternoon after the 11 metre yacht ran aground on rocks north east of the Isle of Scalpay, off Skye. The casualty vessel’s crew issued the mayday call after they ran aground on the rocks, which also caused their tender to break free, as they thought they were taking on water. Kyle lifeboat arrived on scene at 5:44pm and put a crew member on board the yacht to assess the situation, whilst the other lifeboat crew readied the salvage pump.

After a thorough check it was then established that the yacht was not taking on water, and it was decided to try and tow the yacht free on the incoming tide. Approximately 15 minutes later the Kyle lifeboat crew had established a tow and managed to pull the yacht free, just as Portree lifeboat arrived on scene.

Once the yacht was free of the rocks and a full check was done to ensure there was no water ingress or damage, the 2 persons on board were happy to make their own way towards Portree harbour whilst being shadowed by Portree lifeboat. The Kyle lifeboat crew then went and retrieved the yachts tender which had floated free after the securing line was severed by the yachts propeller when it hit the rocks.

At 6:10pm, Kyle lifeboat departed the scene and made its way back to the station where it was refuelled and made ready for service by 6:30pm.

Notes to editors

· For further details of the yacht please contact the UK Coastguard

· Please credit the pictures to Kyle RNLI

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Andrew MacDonald, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07748 707606 or [email protected]

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RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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