Call-outs have lifeboat at sea for over 10 hours
The volunteer crew of Oban lifeboat Mora Edith MacDonald had a busy 24 hours with two call-outs and more than 10 hours at sea.
The first incident began when Oban RNLI was tasked by the UK Coastguard to assist a 10-metre motor vessel with engine difficulty near Bach Island at the southern end of the Isle of Kerrera.
The lifeboat launched 3.55pm and arrived at scene shortly afterwards.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that the vessel had managed to restart its engine and was therefore escorted back to Oban for repairs. The lifeboat was then ready for service again by 5pm.
Just 10 hours later, at 2.55am, the crew were awoken by the sound of their pagers again.
A 15-metre fishing vessel had suffered engine failure in an exposed area of water six miles south-west of Iona.
The lifeboat made best speed to the area and upon arrival a tow line was passed to the fishing vessel and the long 43-mile tow home lasted until almost midday.
A RNLI spokesperson said: ‘It is at times like this that the true nature of our volunteer crew is shown. Many of the crew are dads and, rather than spend Father’s Day with their families, they willingly dropped everything to go to the aid of others.’
The lifeboat arrived back in Oban bay shortly before noon and was secured alongside the Railway Pier before returning to her berth where she was refuelled and made ready for service.