Islay RNLI launch twice in two days
On Friday 03 May Islay RNLI received a launch request from Coastguard UK to a fishing vessel with engine failure off the coast of Jura. The following day, Saturday 04 May, another request to launch was received. This time to a 100ft superyacht without engine power off the coast of Kilmory, Argyll.
At 09.06am on Friday Islay RNLI launched the Severn class all-weather lifeboat The Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II with five volunteer crew on board in calm and clear conditions. The fishing vessel was located in Corpach Bay on the northwest coast of Jura with two persons on board.
Upon reaching the scene it was found the boat was in danger of drifting ashore and the coxswain made the decision to secure a tow line and take the fishing vessel to the nearest safe and suitable port at Crinan. Reaching Crinan at 12:06pm the vessel was secured, and the lifeboat returned to Port Askaig at 1.30pm.
The following day, Saturday 04 May at 6.43pm, the RNLI all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch again. This time to a 100ft superyacht with six persons on board suffering engine failure near the McCormaig Isles, west of Kilmory. A volunteer crew of six quickly assembled and the Islay all-weather lifeboat launched.
In calm but misty conditions the all-weather lifeboat reached the yacht with six persons on board, at 7.50pm. Being very close to the McCormaig Isles in such poor visibility the decision was made to tow the yacht to the nearest safe and suitable port, Crinan. The tow took two hours and put the yacht safely in Crinan harbour. Islay lifeboat returned to Port Askaig at 12.05am and was made ready for service.
Islay McEachern, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Islay RNLI, advises boat users: ‘As we are now heading into the summer season, remember to check your engine before sailing and have your vessel fully serviced before embarking on your journey. If you find yourself in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask 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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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.