RNLI’s Kyle of Lochalsh lifeboat rescues yacht and 4 passengers after engine fails north of Skye Bridge
A large yacht with four people aboard has been rescued by the Kyle RNLI crew.
The lifeboat was scrambled at 2.30pm on Saturday to reports that the 44ft vessel had experienced engine trouble two miles to the north of the Skye Bridge.
The lifeboat launched and was on scene within a couple of minutes, after which the station engineer/mechanic, Ewen, went aboard and was able to sort a temporary fix to the engine.
Ewen remained aboard the yacht while it made its way to safety on the pontoon at Kyleakin, all the while shadowed by the lifeboat in case of further engine difficulties.
The yacht was safely moored to the pontoon shortly after 3:30pm and the lifeboat crew all returned to their base in Kyle.
RNLI helm Norman Finlayson said "The yacht's crew were extremely experienced and well prepared, however they had the misfortune to have an issue with the systems onboard the yacht which meant that they could not get the engine started.
“Luckily Ewen was one of our crew onboard the lifeboat today, and he was able to use his skills to get a temporary solution and get the engine going. The yachts crew did exactly the correct thing in calling for help when needed.”
