Campbeltown RNLI launch all-weather lifeboat to a 17m yacht

Campbeltown RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, Ernest and Mary Shaw, was launched at 07.10pm on Saturday 25 June 2022 to respond to a 17-meter yacht which had lost power to its engines. The casualty vessel and its crew were at risk of running aground at Sanda Island, Kintyre.

The lifeboat crew arrived on the scene at 7.40pm after 30 minutes of near gale weather, also known as a force 7 on the Beaufort scale. There was around 1.25m-2.5m of swell, with good visibility blowing a southerly wind, doing no favours for the casualty vessel.

On arrival at the casualty vessel, the lifeboat crew were able to make way under her own sail. Rather than try to establish a tow in the poor weather conditions, it was agreed with the casualty vessel that the safest option would be to let them continue under sail to Davaar Island, where the lifeboat could establish an alongside tow in safer conditions.

Once the lifeboat arrived at Davaar Island, it used the shelter from the wind to establish the alongside tow. This allowed for a safe transfer onto the marina pontoon.

The Ernest and Mary Shaw all-weather lifeboat was recovered and made ready for service at 09.30pm.

Ruaridh McAulay, RNLI Coxswain for Campbeltown RNLI Lifeboat, says: ‘We are pleased all the crew were safe and well on arrival at the casualty vessel.

'Everyone was well protected and prepared for the elements and their voyage with personal protective equipment and clothing. The decision to escort the yacht back to Campbeltown was by far the safest option rather than trying to transfer a crew member. We urge sea goers who find themselves in difficulty to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

Notes to editors

Campbeltown lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/campbeltown-lifeboat-station

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Carla Jackson, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07821409553, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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 over 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 142,200 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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