Kyle & Mallaig lifeboats called to vessel aground in Kylerhea narrows
The 10 metre vessel was navigating north through the Kylerhea narrows when it suffered an electrical problem, ran aground and became stuck due to the turning of the tide
Kyle lifeboat, Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched at 7:15am this morning, after the vessel ran aground close to Kylerhea on the Skye side of the narrows. Due to the turning and speed of the tide, both Kyle and Mallaig lifeboats were called out to assist. Kyle lifeboat arrived on scene first at 7:30am, and immediately put a crew member and water pump on board to assess the situation and check there was no water ingress.
Due to the rapid speed of the tide, it was quickly decided to establish a tow between Mallaig lifeboat and the casualty vessel, and the vessel was refloated at 8:15am. Once afloat, the casualty vessel managed to restart it’s engine and Mallaig proceeded to shadow them through the narrows until they came out into Loch Alsh. At which time Mallaig returned back to station and Kyle took over shadowing the boat back to Kyleakin harbour where repairs could be made to the vessel.
Kyle lifeboat then returned to station and was refuelled and made ready for service by 10:15am.
Notes to editors
· This is the 1st callout 0f 2022 for Kyle RNLI & the first since our lifeboat came back from refit.
· Please credit pictures to Kyle RNLI
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