Oban lifeboat launches in hunt for missing divers

Oban RNLI Lifeboat, Mora Edith MacDonald, launched on service on Tuesday March 19 following reports of two divers missing from a RIB dive vessel in the Sound of Kerrera.

Oban lifeboat launched at 1.03pm, leaving the berth within minutes of the call with its crew of seven, to search for the pair who had not returned to their dive vessel.

The boat which had three people on board, had also suffered engine failure and was adrift just north of Heather Island in the Sound of Kerrera.

The lifeboat quickly arrived on scene and a search was started. Thankfully, the two divers were located close to the shore.

Made visible by their surface marker buoys, they were immediately recovered on to the lifeboat and checked over but no medical attention was needed.

Returning to the dive boat, the three people on board were also recovered on to the lifeboat and a tow was established with the RIB.

The boat was taken under tow to Dunstaffnage, arriving alongside by 2.05pm.

Thankfully the call-out resulted in all involved being recovered safe and well, and they were landed ashore and assisted by Oban’s Coastguard Rescue Team.

Oban lifeboat left the marina at 2.13pm, returning to the station and being ready for service again by 2.40pm.