Islay RNLI responds twice in three days
Islay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were involved in two separate incidents over 10-12 July, assisting a RIB in difficulty in the Sound of Islay and later towing a yacht taking on water off Jura.
On the evening of Thursday 10 July, at the start of a routine training exercise, Islay RNLI lifeboat crew spotted a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in difficulty in the Sound of Islay.
Black smoke was seen coming from the stern of the stationary vessel, prompting the lifeboat to divert and investigate. As the lifeboat approached, a person on board signalled for assistance.
The lifeboat crew quickly responded, and assessed the situation before making the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties. The volunteer crew secured the RIB, which had six people on board, alongside the lifeboat. The vessel was brought safely back to the north bay of Port Askaig harbour. After confirming that everyone on board was safe and well, the lifeboat resumed its planned exercise. HM Coastguard was kept informed throughout the incident.
At 4.52pm on Saturday 12 July, Islay RNLI lifeboat was launched to assist a yacht in difficulty in Small Isles Bay, off the coast of Jura. The yacht had suffered damage to it’s hull.
Upon arrival, the yacht’s crew had the water ingress under control and were planning to continue sailing north. The volunteer lifeboat crew remained on scene to escort the vessel and stand by in case further support was needed.
As the situation developed, the Coxswain assessed the situation and made the decision to take the yacht under tow to the nearest suitable safe port. Crinan was identified as the best option, and the tow was carried out without incident. The yacht was safely secured, and Islay lifeboat returned to Port Askaig at 1.00am on Sunday 13 July.
Islay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Islay McEachern, said: ‘Both incidents highlight the importance of staying alert and prepared at all times. Our crew responded quickly and professionally to ensure the safety of those at sea, and we're glad both outcomes were positive. Thank you to all parties, especially Jura Coastguard, involved on Saturday.’
Notes to editors
· Islay lifeboat station has been operating since 1934. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Islay RNLI Lifeboat Station
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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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