July 10th
VHF jamming
Oban Lifeboat launched to locate a vessel broadcasting continuously on VHF channel 16.
Notes:Channel 16 is the distress and calling frequency. The continuous broadcast could prevent a mayday call being heard by other stations.
July 11th
Vessel in difficulty
Oban Lifeboat launched to a large yacht which had a fouled anchor and was in danger of damaging other vessels. Two lifeboat crew were put onboard the yacht and assisted with a solution.
July 13th
Person Injured
Oban Lifeboat launched to evacuate a woman from the Garvalach Islands after she sustained a fracture to her leg. While on route, a helicopter became available and the Lifeboat crew assisted the winchman to stabilise the casualty before she was winched to the helicopter.
Notes: The woman was flown to hospital in Paisley.
July 14th
Fishing vessel disabled
Oban Lifeboat launched to a fishing vessel at 0320 after she called the coastguard reporting that they had suffered gearbox failure and were drifting.
Notes: The vessel was towed to the south pier in Oban
July 25th
Yacht Aground
At 0130 Oban Lifeboat was requested to launch to a yacht aground just south of Puilladobhrain in Ardencaple Bay. The vessel had dragged its anchor and was hard aground with a falling tide by the time the lifeboat arrived on scene. The lifeboat stood by until the yacht had settled, and was not in any further danger, before returning to station.
July 25th
Yacht Aground
Oban Lifeboat was requested to assist the yacht aground in Ardencaple Bay (see previous shout) and launched again at 0830. As the tide flooded the yacht refloated and the lifeboat helped her into deeper water. Once it was confirmed that the yacht had steerage and propulsion and in no further need of assistance, the lifeboat returned to station.
July 26th
Diver with bends
A recreational diver with symptoms of the bends aboard dive charter boat transfer to hyperbaric chamber at Dunstaffnage. The dive party had been diving at the Garvellachs south of Oban.
August 4th
Medical Evacuation
At 1 am, a request was made for Oban Lifeboat to evacuate a woman from Kerrera who had hurt herself on rocks near Oban Marina. Lifeboat crew administered first aid on scene and she was transferred
back to the mainland.
Notes: Oban Lifeboat station would like to acknowledge the help of Clyde CG, the marina staff, ambulance personnel and medical staff at LIDG Hospital in this incident.
August 9th
Kayakers requiring assistance
On Saturday afternoon Oban Lifeboat was hosting its annual Open Day with the lifeboat open to public. Just after lunch the boat was requested to launch to assist 2 kayakers who had been struggling in the turbulent waters of the Corryvreckan. Oban lifeboat proceeded to the incident and took the kayakers onboard and transfered them back to their point of departure.
Notes: Initial assistance was provided by MV Porpoise and later by a helicopter from HMS Gannet in Prestwick
News Reports from The Press and Journal and The Manchester Evening News
August 11th
Windsurfer in difficulties
Oban lifeboat was tasked to join a search for a windsurfer in Loch Leven who was reported to be in difficulties. The windsurfer was located and recovered by MV Lady Fiona from where he was transfered to hospital by helicopter.
August 15th
Fishing vessel disabled
Oban lifeboat launched to assist a fishing vessel which had suffered machinery failure to the west of the Isle of Jura.
August 17th
Yacht Sinking
Oban lifeboat launched after a yacht broadcast a mayday call reporting that she was sinking in the Sound of Mull. The leak was stopped and the Lifeboat towed the yacht back to Oban Marina.
August 18th
Yacht Aground
Oban lifeboat launched to assist a Polish yacht which had suffered engine failure and gone aground at the Corran Narrows.
August 18th
Medical Evacuation
Oban lifeboat tasked to evacuate a patient from the Island of Mull to Oban.
Notes: The Lifeboat launched at 2244 and was refuled and ready for service again at 0005
August 22nd
Yacht on fire
Oban lifeboat launched to assist a yacht which was on fire in the Sound of Kerrera.
Notes: Thanks to Oban Marina for their assistance.
August 24th
Medical evacuation
Oban lifeboat was tasked to evacuate a patient with a serious hand injury from the Island of Mull to Oban.
Notes: The Lifeboat launched at 0214 and was refueld and ready for service at 0340
August 26th
Medical evacuation
Oban lifeboat was tasked to evacuate a patient from the Isand of Mull. Before the Lifeboat arrived at Mull the ambulance service requested the evacuation of a second patient. Both patients were conveyed to Oban at the same time.
Notes: The Lifeboat launched at 2028 and was refuled and ready for service again at 2150. The lifeboat was tasked due to poor visibility, preventing the air ambulance from flying.
image courtesy of D. MacLeod (The Scotsman)
|
