Tighnabruaich RNLI called out to divers in difficulty then powerless yacht

On Sunday 1 June, crew liaised with HM Coastguard crew both on shore and attending in the rescue helicopter when three divers were reported to be in difficulty after their boat drifted away.

Following a journey of over an hour, the inshore lifeboat arrived on scene to find the divers had swum ashore. Their location was inaccessible by land, so the Coastguard helicopter winchman had to be lowered from the helicopter to check on their wellbeing. That established, they were able to swim offshore to be taken on board the James and Helen Mason for safe transfer to shore at Strachur.

Crew reported the divers were experienced and well equipped, but relieved to get safely ashore. After five hours and 130 litres of fuel, the RNLI lifeboat returned back to the lifeboat station.

Just 24 hours later, pagers sounded again on Monday 2 June with a request for the lifeboat to launch to assist a yacht which had lost power and was struggling to sail to a safe berth in difficult conditions around one mile west of Skate Island.

Having made a thorough assessment of the yacht’s crew and situation, the decision was made for the volunteer RNLI crew to assist on board to sail the casualty yacht into Portavadie.

Volunteer Helm, Ewan Sim explained: 'Towing the 6 ton yacht was deemed unsafe for the ILBs capability, sea conditions were now worsening with a 4 -5 metre swell breaking crests and a constant 30 + knots of south wind.'

Closely escorted by the lifeboat, Ewan, who has 36 years’ experience on the lifeboat crew, assisted with sailing the vessel into the harbour. With a short tow from the ILB to berth safety alongside the pontoon, the yacht and its crew were handed over to the care of Kames Coastguard Rescue colleagues for further assessment.

Ewan continued: 'The ILB then proceeded back south into the teeth of the gale with some of the worst sea state the crew have witnessed.'

Arriving back safely at Tighnabruaich RNLI Lifeboat Station, volunteer crew were stood down and the lifeboat made ready for next service.

When spending time on or near the water, always check weather conditions before you head out, and carry a means of calling for help. If you get into difficulty, call 999, and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

· Tighnabruaich RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1967. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Tighnabruaich RNLI Lifeboat Station

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RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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