Islay RNLI paged twice during Storm Floris

At 11.59am, Islay RNLI's volunteer crew launched the Severn-class lifeboat, Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II, to assist a 58-foot converted fishing vessel aground in Lowlandman’s Bay, off Jura’s eastern coast. The vessel had four people on board, was taking on water, and had no working electrics. Launching in the throes of Storm Floris, the crew made good speed towards the casualty vessel, contending with strong winds and gusts of up to 48mph.

Upon reaching the scene, the decision was made to launch the Severn’s daughter craft (Y-boat) to retrieve the vessel’s crew. In difficult conditions, the RNLI crew successfully brought all four people safely aboard the lifeboat.

While making their way back to Port Askaig, the crew were re-tasked at 1.33pm to assist a yacht in Ardmore Bay, off Islay’s south coast. The second vessel, with two people on board, had been reported as dragging anchor dangerously close to rocks.

The lifeboat altered course immediately and headed to Ardmore Bay. On arrival, the crew confirmed the yacht was at serious risk of striking rocks. They attempted to direct the yacht’s crew towards safer waters. The Coxswain assessed the situation and made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties. The volunteer RNLI crew established a safe tow and made way to Port Ellen, approximately 10 miles away.

On Route to Port Ellen, one member of the yacht crew required casualty care. Arriving in Port Ellen, the RNLI lifeboat was met by the local Coastguard team, who assisted in transferring the yacht’s crew and providing further medical care. The four rescued from the fishing vessel, who had remained on board the lifeboat throughout, were also helped safely ashore.

Islay RNLI returned to Port Askaig where the crew made the lifeboat ready for service by 9.00pm.

The previous day, Sunday 3 August, Islay RNLI lifeboat had been requested to launch to assist three people stranded on top of an upturned RIB (rigid inflatable boat) at Port Bhan, near Kilberry on the mainland. Islay’s volunteer crew assembled quickly and were ready to launch. However, just after departing their berth, they were stood down, as the casualties had been recovered by a local passenger boat and RNLI assistance was no longer required.

Speaking about Monday’s rescues, Islay RNLI Coxswain David MacLellan said: ‘It was a long day for all of our lifeboat crew, made more difficult by the conditions of Storm Floris. I’d like to extend my thanks to them and to our partner agencies Coastguard and the ambulance service - who supported these rescues. Thanks must also go to local staff at Calmac for support and assistance and to local vessels who are always ready to respond when needed. Our volunteers are consistently quick to respond, 24/7, 365 days a year, when the pager goes off. Being called to a second job while still on another is rare for us, but the crew’s training and dedication came to the fore, ensuring a successful outcome for all those we aided that day.’.

Notes to editors

· Islay lifeboat station has been operating since 1934. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/islay-lifeboat-station

· The Islay RNLI Lifeboat Gala Day will be held on Sunday 17^th of August at Islay House, Bridgend, Islay. Festivities will be 1-4pm, more details can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Islaylifeboat

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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