Much to do for RNLI Tighnabruaich
Volunteer shore and boat crew assisted in four incidents within two days as waters became busy in a spell of good weather. Launching on the evening of Thursday 19 June for regular crew training, the inshore lifeboat was soon diverted toward Wemyss Bay.
Support was requested for a paddleboarder in difficulty. With confirmation the casualty had made it ashore, the ILB was diverted to assist Coastguard with a search at Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute.
Pagers sounded at 9am on Saturday 21 June with the James and Helen Mason setting course to a yacht experiencing engine failure near Skipness on Loch Fyne. With insufficient wind to manoeuvre to safety, the yacht’s crew had called for assistance. Arriving on scene, the lifeboat sent a crew member aboard - with extensive knowledge of sailing vessels - to assess the issue. With no quick fix available and given the benign conditions, the casualty vessel was taken under tow to be berthed at Portavadie Marina where mechanical support could be accessed.
The lifeboat returned to base and was made ready for next service which came that same afternoon. The inshore lifeboat was launched to assist a vessel with steering issues a short distance from the station in the West Kyles of Bute. Boat crew supported the vessel and again, shore crew were on hand to assist as the lifeboat returned to base, was refuelled and made ready for next service.
With the spells of warmer summer weather and more people drawn to enjoy activity on or near the water, such incidents are a reminder to always carry a means of calling for assistance, and in an emergency to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.