Weather warning for yacht owners in Oban, Scotland after four rescues overnight

HM Coastguard is warning yacht owners in and around the Oban area to take extra care today after weather conditions caused four yachts to need assistance overnight.

The first instance happened around 10.30pm yesterday (28 July) when a yacht ran aground at Puilladobhrain Anchorage, just south of Oban. Three people were taken off the yacht by Oban RNLI lifeboat. The yacht was later refloated at high tide, checked over and moved to a safe place.

Just half an hour later another yacht with one person on board reported dragging its anchor in Loch Feochan, also south of Oban. Oban Coastguard Rescue Team was sent but stood down when the weather improved and the yacht regained its anchor.


At midnight a mayday was received from a yacht reporting it had run aground at Lismore. Oban RNLI lifeboat was again sent to stand by until the yacht – which had one person and a dog on board – was more accessible. Oban and Appin Coastguard Rescue Teams assisted with the communications. The yacht refloated on the rising tide and made its way to Glensanda, accompanied by the lifeboat.

Another yacht reported dragging its anchor around 1.15am today (29 July) at Loch Aline with Tobermory RNLI lifeboat being sent to tow it back. Both were met by Tobermory Coastguard Rescue Team which assisted the yacht with tying up.

Graham Cay, senior maritime operations officer with HM Coastguard said: ‘It’s been a challenging night for yacht owners. The weather’s not been great and looks to continue like this today. We advise yacht owners to take care when anchoring to ensure they have good holding, a number were caught out by stronger winds and big tides. 
‘Also make sure you’ve got a means of contacting us if you get into trouble and adequate provisions and safety equipment.
                             
He added: ‘All the yachts which got into trouble last night were able to call us and did have all the things they needed. Our advice is as always to make sure you have personal locator beacons and other safety equipment to alert us if things do go wrong. And of course, the message remains the same whether it’s calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard or using a channel to alert us: call the Coastguard as soon as you think you might be in trouble. Saving time can save lives.’


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