Yacht Calls for Help in Storm Force Winds

Saturday, October 03, 2009
Posted 12:18 GMT

At 08.50 this morning the 65 foot yacht Elinca transmitted an emergency broadcast requesting assistance from Stornoway Coastguard when they suffered a gearbox failure in storm force winds. The vessel, who had 13 crew on board, had no choice but to anchor on a lee shore on the remote Loch Tealasbhaigh to the west side of the Isle of Lewis in winds of up to 50 knots.

Stornoway Coastguard sent Coastguard Helicopter R100 to the scene to ascertain the full extent of the emergency and airlift five non-essential crew to safety. The skipper elected to remain with his vessel. Stornoway Lifeboat was requested to launch, but due to the remote location of this incident the lifeboat will take up to three hours to arrive on scene. Coastguard Rescue Teams are currently being transferred via the Coastguard helicopter to the location to provide communications back to the Operations Room, as well as performing a safety watch until the arrival of the RNLI Lifeboat from Stornoway.

Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager Dave MacBeth said:

This area is particularly demanding in getting resources to the scene of any incident. Mountains and barren moorland surround these lochs and are only accessible by a rough 14 mile track. Thankfully the vessel remains held by his anchors and rescue units are proceeding and should be with the casualty shortly.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401