Tobermory RNLI rescues yacht in Force Six winds

Tobermory RNLI's lifeboat was called-out in near gale force winds last weekend to help a yacht that had suffered engine failure.

 

The vessel ran into trouble at the entrance to Tobermory Bay on Saturday July 1 in Force 6 to 7 westerly winds.

 

The yacht's skipper requested assistance from the coastguard because although the vessel was proceeding under sail, the skipper was concerned about manoeuvrability.

 

This was due to a combination of the windy conditions and the proximity of a large number of other yachts in the area.

 

On arriving at the scene, the volunteer RNLI crew found they were unable to contact the skipper via VHF due to a power failure on the yacht.

 

Instead, the crew relayed instructions to the skipper by using a loud hailer and requested the skipper to continue to sail into the bay where the lifeboat passed lines for an alongside tow.

 

The yacht was then taken safely to the Tobermory Harbour pontoons.

 

Tobermory RNLI coxswain, David McHaffie, said: "The skipper made absolutely the right call to request assistance given the traffic density and wind conditions. We’re all pleased that we managed to swiftly achieve the alongside tow and assist the yacht to the pontoons."