Oban History

1972 The RNLI established an inshore lifeboat (ILB) station with a McLachlan lifeboat.

1978 An all weather lifeboat was sent to the station on 8 August and was kept at moorings in the harbour.

1982 The McLachlan lifeboat was withdrawn from service.

The all weather lifeboat was withdrawn and replaced with an intermediate Brede class lifeboat.

1985 The Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum was awarded to Coxswain/Mechanic John Patrick Maclean for the skill and judgement he displayed when the lifeboat rescued the eight crew from the fishing vessel Shemara, which had stranded on Lady’s Rock off Lismore in a westerly gale and a rough sea on 31 January.

1990 A new mooring berth was completed at the South Pier.

1991  The Old Customs House was fitted out to provide new shore facilities next to the lifeboat berth.

1997 The intermediate class lifeboat was withdrawn and replaced with an all weather Trent class lifeboat on 17 July.

1998 Improved crew facilities were completed in November.

2001 A Framed Letter of Thanks was awarded to Crew Member Ronnie MacKillop for entering the water to assist a man who had fallen between two moored trawlers in the early hours of 16 April. He swam and towed the unconscious man around the bows of one trawler and got him to the lifeboat where he was pulled aboard.

2002 Her Majesty The Queen honoured both Norman Macleod, lately Station Honorary Secretary, and Patrick Macleod, lately Coxswain with an MBE.

2005 Coxswain Ronnie MacKillop and Third Mechanic Peter MacKinnon were awarded a Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman for saving the crew of three from the ketch Classic Wave after engine failure drove her aground on 17 September. The service was carried out in force 5-6 wind, spring tides, driving rain and poor visibility.

Station honours

At Oban lifeboat station the following awards have been made:

Framed Letter of Thanks 2
Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum 1