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Islay RNLI respond to paddleboarders drifting off Jura

Lifeboats News Release

On Tuesday 09 April at 2.10pm Islay RNLI were requested to launch by Coastguard UK following a 999 call that a paddleboarder was drifting out to sea off the coast of Jura in strong offshore winds.

helicopter airlifting casualty above island

RNLI/Jura Coastguard/Gemma MacLean

Coastguard UK airlifting the casualties to safety off Eilean Bhride
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Islay RNLI launched the Severn class all-weather lifeboat The Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II with five volunteer crew on board. In strong winds the lifeboat made good speed around the south coast of Jura. In the meantime, it was confirmed that two paddleboarders had drifted but were able to get ashore the small island of Eilean Bhride off Corran Sands beach.

A Coastguard UK Search and Rescue helicopter was tasked to assist in the rescue and was quickly in attendance. The local Coastguard team were on shore and able to direct the helicopter to the casualties location. Both were airlifted back to safety on Jura’s shore. Islay RNLI were on scene and able to recover one of the boards still drifting further out to sea.

With the safe recovery of the paddleboarders Islay RNLI returned to Port Askaig and the boat was ready for service by 3:40pm. Islay RNLI coxswain David MacLellan said: ‘The crew wish to thank all those involved in the rescue, and we are glad that in this case all ended well. This incident serves as a reminder to those enjoying the water this season to check local sea conditions, weather and tide times before taking to the sea. No one expects to end up in trouble. Remember conditions can change quickly here on the west coast.’.

If you’re planning on paddleboarding, or enjoying in other water sports, here’s some handy tips to follow:

  • Always check the weather forecast and tide times. Don’t get caught out by the conditions. Avoid offshore winds because they will tire you quickly when trying to return to shore.
  • Always wear your leash and hold onto your board if you get into trouble. It will help you float.
  • Always carry a means of calling for help on your person. You must be able to reach it easily in an emergency. If it can’t be reached, it’s no help. Consider taking a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or have a personal locator beacon (PLB)
  • Always wear a personal flotation device. Make sure you are also wearing suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions.
  • Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.
  • Always try to paddle with someone else. They can raise the alarm in an emergency by calling 999 or 112 and asking for the coastguard.

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Kate Hannett
Lifeboat Press Officer, Islay Lifeboat Station

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