RNLI Oban Lifeboat Station

RNLI Oban Lifeboat Station Oban Lifeboat Station is one of the busiest All-Weather Lifeboats in Scotland, the first ALB to make over 100 launches in a year.

Oban (gaelic – “an t-Oban” little bay) is a thriving town of 9,000 on Scotland’s west coast. Oban lifeboat station is relatively young, having been founded in 1972. Since then, it has become the busiest of the 44 lifeboat stations in Scotland and one of the busiest All-Weather Lifeboats (ALB) in the United Kingdom – the first ALB to make over 100 launches in a year. Its record of service reflects the diverse nature of Oban lifeboat’s activities averaging around 60 call-outs per year.

It’s not that long until the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race returns to Oban and we are teaming up with Oban Sailing ...
18/06/2026

It’s not that long until the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race returns to Oban and we are teaming up with Oban Sailing Club to start the celebrations!

Our Water Safety team will be holding a lifejacket clinic on Saturday 11th July at the sailing club as part of an open day they have planned in conjunction with Kerrera marina. There will be lots of on the water activities and we will be joined by our fantastic fundrasing team who will have a pop up shop there all day as well.

More info in the posters attached! We’ll look forward to seeing you there 🌊⛵️

Honouring counterparts in AustraliaOban Lifeboat has today (Monday) lowered its flag in honour of two colleagues from th...
15/06/2026

Honouring counterparts in Australia

Oban Lifeboat has today (Monday) lowered its flag in honour of two colleagues from the other side of the world who died doing the same job as we do.

Last month, Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch of Marine Rescue New South Wales in Australia, tragically lost their lives.

The men were part of a six strong crew that launched from Marine Rescue Ballina to assist a disabled yacht in distress.

Their ultimate sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of all those who put themselves at risk to save lives at sea.

The funeral of Bill Ewen took place today.

Bill, who was 78, was from Scotland. Born in Torphins, he lived in Blairdaff near Kemnay where he worked as a domestic engineer for Whirlpool and Hotpoint for many years, covering a large part of the North East and Highlands. After retiring to Australia to be close to family, he “found a new lease of life” with marine rescue.

By joining the international search and rescue (SAR) community in this tribute, we acknowledge not only Bill and Frank’s service, but the commitment of all maritime SAR personnel who answer the call to help others in times of need.

Marine Rescue New South Wales has shared a link with us, which is in the comments, to allow people around the world to send messages of condolence to Bill and Frank’s families and others on the Ballina crew.

A few of our volunteers attended the RNLI’s Volunteer Recognition event over in Edinburgh yesterday.The afternoon recogn...
14/06/2026

A few of our volunteers attended the RNLI’s Volunteer Recognition event over in Edinburgh yesterday.

The afternoon recognised the selfless work of the many volunteers who continue to give up their time day in day out, and the outstanding contributions they have made over the years.

Past crew member Harry McMaster had recently received his 30 year medal, our LOM Peter MacKinnon was recognised for his 20 years of service along with Launch Authority DM. Billy Forteith had received his 50 year medal while Jasmin Manning received an Exellence in Volunteering for her fundraising achievements through the London Marathon.

Well done to all of them, their continued efforts make sure we can keep saving lives at sea. 💙⚓️

Photo left to right: Jennifer McMaster, Harry McMaster, DM, Ann Matheson, Ruairidh Morris, Jasmin Manning, Billy Forteith, Katie Ann Forteith, Peter MacKinnon and Mamie MacKinnon

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for our volunteer crew but the training never stops 💙Today we headed up the Sound of Mu...
07/06/2026

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for our volunteer crew but the training never stops 💙

Today we headed up the Sound of Mull for a joint exercise with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland as they made their way down to Oban.

The exercise included conducting a tow of the sail training vessel, as well as an alongside tow while simulating a medical evacuation of a stretcher onboard.

A big thanks to the crew of Alba Venturer for allowing us to train with them ⚓️

Oban lifeboat called to empty dinghyThe volunteer crew of Oban Lifeboat were tasked by Stornoway Coastguard yesterday ev...
06/06/2026

Oban lifeboat called to empty dinghy

The volunteer crew of Oban Lifeboat were tasked by Stornoway Coastguard yesterday evening (Friday) to reports of a drifting dinghy west of Dunstaffnage Castle.

Oban’s Shannon class lifeboat, 13-50 The Campbell-Watson launched shortly before 8pm and proceeded to the area where the crew received an update that the dinghy had been spotted in Ardmucknish Bay.

The lifeboat arrived on scene to find a sailing dinghy had drifted ashore. It then transpired that the dinghy had drifted away as its owner was trying to recover it ashore earlier in the evening.

The Coastguard rescue team, working with a local RIB, managed to get the dinghy further up the shore. With everyone safe and accounted for, Oban Lifeboat was stood down and returned to base.

Oban Lifeboat would like to thank the crew of the RIB Polo for their assistance, and MV Loch Frisa which stood by ready to assist.

Library image: Stephen Lawson/RNLI

Generous RIB crews donate thousands to RNLIThe crews who took part in this year’s RIB Rendezvous centred on Oban Bay and...
05/06/2026

Generous RIB crews donate thousands to RNLI

The crews who took part in this year’s RIB Rendezvous centred on Oban Bay and Kerrera Marina have donated over £10,000 to the RNLI.

The 2026 Rendezvous last month saw a record 220 RIBs register and over 1000 crew members take part in what has become the world’s largest informal gathering of rigid inflatable boats.

Oban Lifeboat attended in the morning and was open for people to have a look around, while the lifeboat’s water safety team were on shore talking to many of the enthusiastic participants, before the RIB crews set off for a day’s cruising.

At the midpoint of the event, the RIBs were met by Tobermory Lifeboat in the Sound of Mull before the flotilla split into smaller groups, rendezvousing back at Kerrera Marina for the evening.

Oban Lifeboat Treasurer, Lachie Beaton said:

“We are just blown away by the generosity of the RIB skippers, crews and the event organisers – and really honoured that they chose to raise money for the RNLI.”

RIB Rendezvous Director Paddy Crerar added:

“The success of RIB Rendezvous is only possible because of the incredible support from sponsors, volunteers, participants, and supporters like the Oban lifeboat. We are so grateful that the lifeboats were part of it.”

Picture by Lawrie Cerexhe/RNLI

John qualifies as lifeboat mechanicOur congratulations to Oban Lifeboat volunteer crew member John Cameron who has passe...
01/06/2026

John qualifies as lifeboat mechanic

Our congratulations to Oban Lifeboat volunteer crew member John Cameron who has passed his final assessment to qualify as a mechanic.

John, a commercial workboat skipper, has spent over a year working with crew colleagues and members of the Scottish machinery training team to develop the skills to finally undertake his pass out assessment afloat.

“I wanted to train as a mechanic with the RNLI to further support the station and to broaden and develop my skills and knowledge.

“The assessment covered everything from electrical faults to equipment coming loose, finding faults and fixing them. I was asked about system after system, how they work and how to rectify things if something goes wrong.

“While we were out as sea, I had to deal with a series of scenarios: losing an engine, changing a blocked fuel filter, unblocking a sea water strainer, putting out a simulated engine room fire and tackling a simulated flood in the jet space, and losing steering while running on one engine!”

John, who is also a member of Oban Lifeboat’s Water Safety team, is now part of a seven strong mechanics team of two women and four men led by Senior Station Technician, Tom Kennedy.

Image: John in the engine space of Oban’s Sahnnon class lifeboat, 13-50 The Campbell-Watson (Stephen Lawson/RNLI)

Celebrating lifesaving giftsThe generosity of thousands of people who leave money to the RNLI in their Wills is to be ce...
01/06/2026

Celebrating lifesaving gifts

The generosity of thousands of people who leave money to the RNLI in their Wills is to be celebrated at an event at Oban lifeboat station on Wednesday 10th June.

Over six in every 10 pounds of the £200 million annual cost of running the rescue charity comes from people who have left gifts in their Wills.

The maritime, coastal and island communities served by Oban Lifeboat have a particular reason to be grateful.

The biggest contribution to the £2.8 million cost of Oban’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, The Campbell-Watson, which came into service in 2024, came in a legacy from Elizabeth Watson.

Mrs Watson lived in Northern Ireland and worked in the drawing office of Harland and Wolff in Belfast. She was the daughter of an Oban merchant navy captain and widow of a merchant navy engineering officer who had died at sea in 1989.

The Campbell-Watson carries her maiden name and her married name.

The event is being organised by the RNLI’s Legacy Engagement Manager for Scotland, Katrine MacPhail, who keeps in touch with supporters who have said that they will be leaving the charity a gift in their Will, and works to encourage others to consider a legacy.

"The event in Oban is to celebrate people’s generosity and to give anyone interested in leaving a gift the opportunity to meet members of the crew, hear about the work of the lifeboat at first hand, and have a look around the lifeboat,” said Katrine.

"It will be an opportunity to say thank you to those who have made a gift in their Will and to others who are considering doing so.

“Legacies help fund launch after launch in Oban and across Scotland. Indeed, they help the RNLI meet more than 60 per cent of every electricity bill, every tank of fuel, every crew member’s kit and every specialist training course. So, it's a huge chunk of our income.”

Katrine added: “Every gift no matter how large or small is hugely appreciated. Everyone who leaves the RNLI money in their Will helps us to continue to save lives at sea now and in the years to come.”

The Gifts in Wills free event runs from 10.30am until 2.30pm on Wednesday 10 June at Oban Lifeboat Station.

Booking is essential so if you would like to come along, please email [email protected] or call 0300 300 9990.

Image: Stephen Lawson/RNLI

Oban lifeboat responds to medical emergencyOban lifeboat was tasked this afternoon (Sunday), at the request of the Scott...
31/05/2026

Oban lifeboat responds to medical emergency

Oban lifeboat was tasked this afternoon (Sunday), at the request of the Scottish Ambulance Service, to assist their response to reports of an unconscious person onboard a yacht on a mooring at Dunstaffnage Marina.

The volunteer crew of Oban lifeboat proceeded to Dunstaffnage where they met two ambulance paramedics and took them out to the yacht.

After being assessed, the casualty was taken across to the lifeboat to be brought ashore and transferred to the ambulance.

The lifeboat then returned to the yacht and the crew brought the casualty’s partner and their two dogs ashore, before returning to station.

MONDAY UPDATE

The partner of the person who was unwell has been in touch to share the good news that they have been allowed home from hospital after assessment and will be followed up by their GP, adding:

“We would like to thank everyone who was so helpful, including the lifeboat crew, volunteers from the coastguard and the staff at Dunstaffnage as well as the medical staff.”

Library image: Stephen Lawson/RNLI

Oban lifeboat diverted to yacht in troubleThe volunteer crew of Oban lifeboat were paged this afternoon (Friday) at 3.45...
29/05/2026

Oban lifeboat diverted to yacht in trouble

The volunteer crew of Oban lifeboat were paged this afternoon (Friday) at 3.45pm to urgent reports of a person in the water in Cuan Sound.

As the Shannon class lifeboat, 13-50 The Campbell Watson was into her passage through the Sound of Kerrera, the Cuan Sound ferry MV Belnahua, which had also responded, reported that its crew had helped a person from the water.

Oban lifeboat was immediately re-tasked by Stornoway coastguard after the rescue coordination centre had received a call from a yacht to the West of Kerrera that had a jammed sail and overheating engine and required assistance.

Once the yacht was located just North West of Bach Island, contact was made with the yacht’s crew to determine what assistance they needed.

They stated they were trying to get into Loch Feochan, South of Oban, but were worried that their engine was overheating.

By this time, the yacht crew had managed to drop their jammed head sail and raise their main sail but were not making much headway in the wind conditions.

The coxswain and crew of the lifeboat suggested to them that their best course of action would be to instead sail North up the West side of Kerrera and through the North entrance into Oban Bay, so they could berth at Kerrera Marina, where they could fix their sail and check over their engine.

Oban lifeboat remained with the yacht until it was safely alongside the pontoons in Kerrera Marina, before standing down and returning to station.

Library picture: Stephen Lawson/RNLI

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