As Storm Aiden brought its gale-force winds and driving rain from Ireland to western Scotland, Oban RNLI launched to assist a fishing vessel in distress in Loch Etive.
The 22ft fishing boat, with four on board, had broken down west of Airds Point and managed to secure to a fish farm mooring while they awaited assistance yesterday afternoon, Saturday 31 October.
Meanwhile, the lifeboat launched amid heavy seas and 60mph gusts and reached the scene within half an hour to set up a tow to Taynulit pier, from where the fishermen had set out earlier in the day.
On arrival, however, the pier was submerged by the extremely high tide, and with no other shelter in the area it was decided to secure the fishing vessel to a mooring in Airds Bay and bring its crew ashore at Dunstaffnage with the lifeboat.
Oban RNLI coxswain Ally Cerexhe said: “Although the lochs may appear to provide some shelter, the strong winds and high tides still pose the same risk.”