Lifeboat scrambled to help stricken Scots ferry and tow it to shore in rainstorm

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A lifeboat rushed to the aid of a Scots ferry after it lost power in today's rainstorms. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution Vessel was scrambled just before 9.30am this morning.The UK Coastguard had requested the help of the RNLI on Saturday 7 October to assist a ferry that had lost propulsion whilst undergoing sea trials.The RNLI said the Severn class all-weather lifeboat made best speed to the stricken vessel, around 800m off Kilchoan Pier on the Ardnamurchan peninsula.Due to the size of the vessel, and how close it was to the land, the decision was made to tow it back to Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

The RNLI said the Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey made the passage back towards Tobermory, in heavy rain and poor visibility caused by rainstorms, at a steady speed of 3 knots.

Just outside the harbour, the tow was switched to an alongside tow. The lifeboat then took the ferry to the Calmac Pier and was secured safely.Pictures from the RNLI show the lifeboat's journey from reaching the ferry to taking it back to shore.

The lifeboat was made ready for service again shortly after midday.Coxswain David McHaffie said: "Well done to the captain and crew for their actions in alerting the UK Coastguard promptly and for their excellent communication throughout the incident, which helped make this task much easier for us". Don't miss the latest news from around