Lifeboat called to rescue sinking yacht run aground in Portree bay

Lifeboat crews were called to rescue a sinking yacht which had run aground in the Inner Hebrides.

Volunteers from Portree RNLI station launched in poor weather conditions on Thursday to aid a sinking yacht.

Trent class lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker, based at the Isle of Skye RNLI station, was tasked to assist as the vessel was taking on water in Portree bay.

On arrival at the scene, the volunteer crew were instructed by HM Coastguard to assess the situation.

Trent class lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker was tasked to assist. Robert MacInnes/RNLI

A salvage pump was transferred from the lifeboat to the yacht to help control the water ingress and remove the immediate danger of the vessel sinking.

A decision was made to tow the yacht to the pier in Portree to prevent it from becoming a hazard or causing further danger.

Stuart Nicolson of Portree RNLI said: “Our volunteer crew members worked really well as a team today in very poor weather and challenging conditions.

“HM Coastguard asked the crew to assess the situation on arrival at the scene in Portree Bay.

“The Duty Coxswain then decided that the best course of action was to tow the yacht to safety and bring it alongside Portree pier to undergo further inspection and repairs.

“We were pleased that we were able to assist with a positive outcome and prevent further damage or danger.

“The situation could have been much worse without the assistance provided by the RNLI today.

“We’d also like to thank North Skye HM Coastguard Rescue Team for their help.

“The RNLI is the charity that has dedicated volunteers ready to respond to calls for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter the weather conditions.”