Yachts rescued in rough seas 22/7/12
A number of yachts were in danger of crashing onto rocks during an unseasonal storm on the Scottish west coast this weekend.
RNLI lifeboats from Skye, Barra and Mallaig were assisted by Stornoway coastguard helicopter to rescue the boats struggling in fierce winds and rough seas.
At the height of the storm in the early hours of today , two separate yachts, carrying four people, were towed to safety by Barra lifeboat.
The boats, called Bonnie and Laura, got into serious difficulties when their anchors lost their grip under the pounding waves and winds.
Strong gusts threatened to ram them aground in Castlebay harbour in Barra.
One radioed a Mayday alert at 2.10am and Barra lifeboat was launched to their aid.
The coastguard helicopter from Stornoway flew to the scene and was ready to airlift the people off if they hit the rocks.
The lifeboat secure lines onto the drifting yachts and towed them to a safe berth.
Earlier today, another yacht lost her anchor off Portree and the Skye lifeboat came to her aid.
A similar incident occurred off Rum where Mallaig lifeboat rescued a sailing boat which was struggling to hold its position due to the gale.