Lifeboat crews rescue yacht which 'lost steering' in strong winds off Rona

Lifeboat crews were called to rescue a yacht which lost steering in challenging conditions off the coast of Rona.

Volunteers from RNLI Portree were requested to launch by HM Coastguard to a position west of the island off the Trotternish peninsula on Skye and north of the island of Raasay.

Crews used Trent class lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker after pagers sounded at 3.25pm on Monday, launching ten minutes after the call.

The yacht had reportedly lost steering with a strong north-west breeze blowing amid swell conditions.

Crews arrived on scene in 20 minutes and ensured those onboard the casualty vessel were safe and well.

The yacht was towed to the port of Portree and crews were stood down by the Coastguard.

Portree RNLI say it’s the second call-out to the island of Rona this year after volunteers assisted a casualty who had fallen and injured themselves in February.

Stuart Nicolson, Portree RNLI lifeboat coxswain, said: “Our initial priority was to ensure those onboard the casualty vessel were safe and well.

“Once this had been established, we assessed the situation to decide the best course of action.

“With the strong winds and swell conditions, and the yacht liable to drift onto the coast of Rona, the decision was made to undertake a tow into the nearest safe port of Portree.

“On arrival into Portree, the yacht was secured to a mooring, and the lifeboat was then stood down from the shout by HM Coastguard.

“I’d like to thank the volunteer crew of Portree RNLI for their swift response, particularly given the challenging weather conditions.

“The fact that we were on scene in just 30 minutes of the pagers sounding means that we were able to assist with a successful outcome for the casualty vessel, particularly given its close position to the coast of Rona.”