Islay RNLI in search for yacht
On Monday 25 August, at 11.10pm Islay RNLI lifeboat crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist in a search for a yacht off Jura after attempts to locate and contact the solo sailor had been unsuccessful.
The RNLI Severn-class lifeboat Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II launched with five crew on board from Port Askaig and made good speed to the Sound of Jura. With strong winds throughout the day and a large sea there were concerns for the vessel heading around the coast. Local Jura and Crinan coastguard teams were involved in the search as well as a Coastguard helicopter and aircraft.
After an extensive search, the vessel was located safely in a bay off the northern coast of Jura by the Coastguard helicopter and all parties were stood down. Islay’s lifeboat crew made way back to Port Askaig and after the lifeboat was made ready for service, they were back ashore by 4.15am.
Islay RNLI Coxswain, David MacLellan, said: ‘Thank you to everyone who was involved in the search. We are thankful to have had a positive outcome to this call-out.’.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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