TIGHNABRUAICH RNLI crews were called into action after a yacht suffered a fouled propeller off the Ayrshire coast.
The volunteer crews’ pagers sounded during the afternoon of Saturday, September 12, with the inshore lifeboat tasked to assist the stricken vessel.
With neighbouring lifeboat stations at Largs and Troon off service and RNLI Helensburgh already responding to another callout, the Tighnabruaich crew set off around the Isle of Bute towards Largs.
On reaching the yacht in the lee of Great Cumbrae, the crew aboard the James and Helen Mason found the 34ft vessel maintaining a circling pattern after its propeller became fouled.
Although the yacht remained under control, it was unable to sail safely to its intended destination at Largs Marina.
The lifeboat crew took the vessel under tow for the short journey into the marina, where its owner was able to access assistance to free the propeller.
Following the successful operation, the lifeboat returned to Tighnabruaich, where the shore crew cleaned down the equipment and prepared the vessel for its next service.
The RNLI reminded those heading out on the water to always carry a means of communication and, if they experience difficulties, to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
