Oban RNLI in Western Scotland launched to the aid of a yacht that has dragged its anchor in strong northerly winds on Friday afternoon (23 May).
The 30ft yacht with two people on board had run aground in the popular anchorage of Puilladobhrain, at the north end of Seil island.
As the all-weather lifeboat Mora Edith MacDonald made best speed towards the anchorage, however, the volunteers learned that the yacht had managed to refloat itself and its crew repositioned their anchor.
Oban RNLI reports that all were safe on board and no damage was sustained, but both persons were shaken from the experience — and with winds gusting 35mph, it was decided best to escort the yacht back to Oban.
Arriving on scene 30 minutes after launch, a lifeboat crew member was transferred onboard the yacht to assist. Their anchor was lifted but the gusty wind meant that they didn’t have time to stow it properly.
The yacht battled the strong winds and made way under their own engine as the lifeboat led them out of the anchorage.
Winds had picked up at sea and presented challenging conditions for the 30ft yacht as they proceeded back towards Oban.
Once in some relative shelter, the crew member onboard the yacht was able to stow the anchor, preventing it from damaging the yacht’s hull.
Arriving back in Oban by 6pm, another crew member was put onboard to assist with securing alongside and the yacht was safely berthed at the North Pier Pontoons shortly after with the assistance of Oban’s Coastguard Rescue Team.
