RNLI Lifeboat assists 1,300-tonne coaster anchored in Oban bay

Mora Edith MacDonald (Oban RNLI Lifeboat) was launched on Saturday 11 January to assist the stricken coaster.

The vessel had dragged her two anchors in the gale force winds that battered Oban on Friday night, putting her dangerously close to the shore of Kerrera and the busy north entrance of Oban bay. The vessel was anchored and awaiting mechanical repair, so was unable to manoeuvre herself to a safer location.

Oban lifeboat launched with seven crew on board at 11:30am and was on scene within minutes. A crew member was put onboard the vessel to assist and a towline was passed soon after. Once secure, the vessel lifted its anchors and the lifeboat slowly began to pull the vessel forwards, clear of the shore and into her preferred position, where her anchors were dropped again by 12:30pm. Oban lifeboat returned to her berth shortly after.