Islay RNLI called to yacht with engine failure

The 10m yacht with two persons on board, having lost power, was in danger of drifting aground or being a hazard to other vessels in the area.

With a crew of five volunteers, Islay’s lifeboat made good speed to the scene. After reaching the casualty vessel to assess the situation the crew were able to successfully pass a tow line to the yacht. It was decided to tow the vessel to the nearest safe and suitable port at Crinan.

The Islay RNLI lifeboat returned to Port Askaig at 18.00pm, where it was moored and made ready for service once again. This was the first call-out for Islay’s lifeboat The Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II since its return four days earlier. It had been away for nearly a year for a planned refit undertaken at the RNLI’s boatyard in Poole. During this time the crew used a relief Severn RNLI lifeboat.

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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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.