On my Facebook feed, RNLI Islay Lifeboat had an article thatchy launched 3 x times last week to aid sailing yachts. They did not have to travel far to Black Rocks.
3 shouts in 1 week for Islay RNLI
Islay’s RNLI volunteer crew launched their all-weather lifeboat three times in the last week to those in trouble in the seas around Islay.
On Thursday 29th June at 3:40pm the lifeboat launched to a yacht adrift with winds and tide taking them toward the coast off the west of Islay. The decision was made to tow the yacht and 3 crew back to safety in Port Askaig.
Monday 3rd July at 7:25pm the crew's pagers sounded again and the RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch to a yacht aground in the Sound of Islay. The tide was falling and so time was of the essence for the lifeboat to safely manage to tow them off the dangerous reef, Black Rocks. The lifeboat reached the yacht in good time and tow them back to safety in Port Askaig.
At 5:28pm on Thursday 6th the UK Coastguard requested that the lifeboat launch to a yacht spotted one mile off Jura. The weather was very wet and very windy by Thursday evening, all the while conditions worsening. The lifeboat made good speed to the stricken vessel. It had a jammed head sail and was unable to steady in rough seas and high winds. The lifeboat escorted the yacht back to Port Askaig under her own steam (full story in comments).
It is an expensive business to launch a lifeboat and they have an appeal out for donations. If you feel inclined, you can donate directly from the Facebook page which means that the donation goes straight to Islay Lifeboat. Phone them if you want to make a donation outside Facebook.
Islay Lifeboat Station, Port Askaig, United Kingdom
+44 1496 840608
I was "rescued" by the Portree lifeboat (absolutely wonderful lads and lassies) a couple of years ago. I didn't call for help, just called SY CG to say I was spending the night hove-to in the Minch 'cos the engine was goosed (large plastic bag round prop) and I didn't fancy anchoring single-handed without its back-up.
Portree l/b were out on exercise and volunteered to attend and stand by. When they arrived somehow I ended up on a tow rope and taken to Portree.
I wouldn't be too quick to condemn a casualty on the basis of a short press release.
3 shouts in 1 week for Islay RNLI
On Thursday 29th June at 3:40pm the lifeboat launched to a yacht adrift with winds and tide taking them toward the coast off the west of Islay. The decision was made to tow the yacht and 3 crew back to safety in Port Askaig.
3 shouts in 1 week for Islay RNLI
On Thursday 29th June at 3:40pm the lifeboat launched to a yacht adrift with winds and tide taking them toward the coast off the west of Islay. The decision was made to tow the yacht and 3 crew back to safety in Port Askaig.
