Work boat sinks in Sound of Kerrera near Oban

A work boat has sunk in the Sound of Kerrera off the coast of Oban as crews scrambled to the scene.

Volunteer crews from Oban Lifeboat were paged shortly after 7.30am on Tuesday to a report of a vessel sinking, amid concerns that people might be on board.

On arrival, the workboat had sunk at her mooring, and a large amount of flotsam and debris was found around the wreck.

Following an initial search, the vessel’s owner confirmed no one was on board.

Work boat sinks off the coast of Oban. RNLI/Leonie Woolf

Oban Lifeboat recovered the vessel’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon to ensure it could be deactivated and its battery did not begin to leak into the water.

The crew recovered lifejackets, life-rings and as much floating debris as they could, and landed these ashore into the care of the HM Coastguard rescue team at Oban Sailing Club.

An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “We were informed at about 7.35am on March 3 of a tug boat having sunk at moorings off Oban.

“An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent, as well as Oban Coastguard Rescue Team and an RNLI lifeboat from Oban.

“No one was reported missing from the vessel or found to be in distress, and after an intensive search, the response was stood down, pending any new information.”