RNLI Tighnabruaich launches twice in 24 hours in blustery conditions.
The volunteer crew at RNLI Tighnabruaich Lifeboat were tasked to respond to launch requests from HM Coastguard to aid vessels in difficulty in local waters two days in succession. The first involved a yacht experiencing loss of steering control, the second a drifting dinghy.
Both occurred during a period of strong easterly winds on the West Kyles of Bute.
At 16.04 on Thursday 20 April the inshore lifeboat was tasked to liaise with a yacht nearby Carry buoy which was struggling due to lost rudder control. Taking the stricken vessel under tow the lifeboat proceeded to nearby Kames and the safety of a mooring buoy. With the yacht secured, the yacht’s six crew were then transferred to shore and the care of Kames Coastguard Rescue Team, and the lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for next service.
This next call came within 24 hours when on Friday 21 April at 13.23 pagers alerted crew to muster at the lifeboat station and launch this time due to reports of a dinghy adrift nearby on the West coast of Bute. At the time of launch it was unclear if anyone was with the casualty vessel. Arriving on the scene it appeared the sole occupant had gone overboard. They were taken aboard the lifeboat and the dinghy towed to nearby Tighnabruaich Pier. Again, colleagues from Kames Coastguard Rescue Team were on hand to assit and ensure the wellbeing of the casualty. The lifeboat returned to station, prepared for next service and volunteer crew stood down.
Lifeboat Helm Heather Whyte explained the dinghy casualty “had just gone for a “play” about and underestimated the conditions”. The Royal Yachting Association advise that, to stay safe on the water, one should always wear an appropriate personal flotation device, carry a means of calling for help and keep it on you, and check the weather forecast and tide conditions beforehand.
In a coastal emergency, or if you see someone in trouble at sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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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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