In a dramatic turn of events off the Argyll coast, fishermen were rescued by a lifeboat after their boat sank. This heart-stopping incident unfolded when their vessel started to take on water, leaving two crew members stranded in the sea.
On February 21, at 1 pm, volunteer rescuers from Oban RNLI received an alert from HM Coastguard. They swiftly responded to the distress call, heading towards the Garvellach islands to aid the four individuals on board the sinking 17-meter fishing boat.
It took the Mora Edith MacDonald vessel 50 minutes to reach the scene. When they arrived, they found two crew members clinging to a life-raft, while the other two valiantly battled to keep the water at bay. Despite the gusty winds and tumultuous sea, the first two were successfully brought aboard the lifeboat.
The crew believed they had managed to stop the inflow of water, so they decided to tow the damaged vessel to safety in Oban for repairs. However, their hopes were dashed when, about an hour into the tow, the fishing boat began to sink again, forcing the remaining crew members into the water.
Swiftly retracting the tow, the RNLI volunteers managed to rescue the remaining crew just in time before the boat sank completely. Back at Oban lifeboat station, the four individuals were handed over to the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Coastguard team members.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Oban lifeboat Coxswain Ally Cerexhe praised the dedication of his team and the assistance they received during the operation. He thanked the Coastguard colleagues and the crew of the Celtic Guardian for their invaluable support.
This terrifying incident has left the local community in shock, but also full of gratitude for the heroic actions of the RNLI. Anne McAllister, owner of the fishing vessel Freedom II, expressed her appreciation on Facebook, commending the professionalism and care displayed by the Oban Lifeboat crew. She also acknowledged the rapid response from the Celtic Guardian and the coordination efforts of the Stornoway Coastguard.
Fishing is undoubtedly a dangerous profession, and incidents like these serve as a reminder of the risks involved. Thankfully, no lives were lost, thanks to the swift and courageous efforts of the coastguard and rescue teams.
Remember, fishing can be treacherous, but your safety is paramount. Stay informed, stay connected, and stay safe!
