CampbeltownRNLI rescue yachtsman and cat off Mull of Kintyre

[Kintyre Forum News]

From http://www.bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=59959

Campbeltown RNLI lifeboat crew rescued Sukie the cat and her owner four miles off the Mull of Kintyre in gale force conditions yesterday (Thursday 3 September).

The yachtsman and Sukie were heading round the Mull of Kintyre in a 22ft yacht facing force seven to eight northwesterly winds, with the wind against the tide. The man requested aid from Belfast Coastguard after his engine failed in the severe conditions. Campbeltown RNLI lifeboat crew were requested to assist and the lifeboat launched at 3.30pm.

On arrival the decision was taken to transfer the fatigued sailor to the lifeboat first. After waiting for a break in the waves the Coxswain manoeuvred alongside the yacht so the lifeboat crew could grab the man and his cat and transfer them to the lifeboat.

Due to the poor conditions a tow was established using a grappling hook, a more secure tow was set up when the lifeboat and yacht made it to calmer water.

David Cox, Coxswain of Campbeltown RNLI lifeboat said:

‘It was a poor day yesterday and the yacht was in the thick of a ebb tide against a strong northwesterly wind off the headland of Mull, not the most pleasant place to be especially if your engine goes. It took a number of attempts to go alongside the yacht but I took advantage of a break in the waves and we were able to grab the man and Sukie aboard the lifeboat. We have rescued a deer before but this is first time we’ve rescued a cat. They were shaken up but thankfully both are now safe and well.

‘Due to conditions we were not sure if it would be possible to tow the yacht back to Campbeltown but the grappling hook held until we made it to calmer waters where we established a stronger tow and took the yacht back to Campbeltown arriving shortly after eight pm.’

[Coxy]

couple of pics here
http://www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/press ... eid=479061

[LANDROVER ROGER]

I will always remember when I was on holiday on Davaar Island and we discovered a chap who had apparently had a heart attack on the island as we returned one evening in September 2007.The lifeboat attended very quickly and the superb crew did their level best to revive him.Unfortunately he passed away.I was impressed with the level of high quality service on hand.The lifeboat,H.M Coastguard helicopter and a group of first responders all gelled in a professional operation.

[jdcarra]

couple of pics here
http://www.rnli.org.uk/who_we_are/press ... eid=479061

Great pics Davy.Well done.

What was he playing at ? A small boat and poor forecast