Tobermory RNLI assists motor boat with fouled propellor off Ardnamurchan Point

Tobermory RNLI's Severn class lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coastguard at 20:27. On arriving at the scene, three miles north-east of Ardnamurchan lighthouse, the volunteer crew found that the nine metre motor vessel with one person on board, had fouled its propellor on a rope from a fishing creel.

Having assessed the situation, Deputy Second Coxswain Dave Underwood decided that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the vessel. The tow rope was successfully passed and the motor boat was towed to Tobermory. During the tow, the propellor was released and the vessel was able to enter Tobermory Bay under its own power. The lifeboat returned to its berth and was refuelled and ready for service at 23:00.

Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones said: 'This has been a busy few days for our volunteers with three call outs, one of which was to a vehicle fire on the car deck of a large passenger ferry. We also assisted Mallaig RNLI lifeboat and Stornoway Coastguard's search and rescue helicopter on Thursday night in an incident off Eigg involving a fishing boat. All of us at Tobermory lifeboat station send our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those involved'.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact

Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747601900 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]

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The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

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