TWO RESCUED FROM YACHT - OFF ISLE OF JURA


A man and woman aboard a 21 foot sailing yacht have been rescued this morning West off the Isle of Jura.

At , one of the crew aboard the yacht made an emergency ‘999’ mobile phone call to the Coastguard requesting assistance. The crew had lost their forward hatch and was experiencing strong winds and rough seas, which necessitated bailing water out of the forward cabin. The yacht was north of the entrance to Loch Tarbert.

Clyde Coastguard immediately issued a Mayday Relay to all vessels in the area and requested the launch of the Islay RNLI lifeboat. The Rescue helicopter from RNAS Gannet at Prestwick was scrambled to the scene.

Irene Reid, Watch Officer at Clyde Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

"We were very fortunate to receive their mobile phone call as communications in this area are notoriously difficult. As a result of the Mayday Relay broadcast, a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat ‘Red Bay 10’ which was at a nearby Regatta was able to offer assistance and soon located the casualties and took them aboard their RHIB.  The Rescue helicopter was soon on scene and stood by the casualty vessel. When the lifeboat arrived it took the two casualties aboard and attached a tow line to the yacht, which is now under tow to Port Askaig on the Island of Islay.

We would like to remind boat users to always ensure they are properly prepared when going out in their boat and to monitor the weather and not get caught out. Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket and keep in touch.”


For more guidance on keeping safe at the coast visit http://www.mcga.gov.uk/.



For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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