LAST night, the CalMac ferry MV Hebrides sprang into action when a yacht issued a Mayday distress call off the West coast of Scotland.
The incident occurred during the ferry's repositioning voyage as it sailed north of Mull en route to the Western Isles.
The yacht, named Hendrix, measuring 11 meters in length, found itself in a perilous situation when its propeller became entangled in creel ropes, rendering it unable to maneuver.
Complicating matters, the vessel was trapped near hazardous reefs and a rocky shore a mere 200 meters off the western coast of Eigg, with the tide receding.
The urgency of the situation was promptly relayed by the lighthouse vessel Pharos on the VHF radio maritime emergency channel at 7:45pm. The navigation officer on the bridge of the MV Hebrides swiftly altered course to the east upon receiving the distress call.
Being the first responder, the ferry, which was not carrying passengers at the time, raced to the scene at full speed.
The crew of the MV Hebrides wasted no time, launching their fast rescue craft and standing by the stricken yacht, prepared to rescue the three individuals on board should the situation worsen.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard explained that due to communication difficulties with the yacht, but "the Pharos relayed the comms and the Hebrides responded to the Mayday."
Subsequently, the Mallaig lifeboat arrived and secured a rope to the distressed yacht. With the sailing boat in tow, the lifeboat guided it safely to Mallaig harbour.
Once the rescue operation was successfully completed, the MV Hebrides resumed its course to the Western Isles, reaching its destination of Tarbert, Harris, in the early hours of this morning.
