Brede on service THE FIRST SERVICE performed by the 33ft Brede class lifeboat Ann Ritchie while she was on operational evaluation trials at Oban was to go to the aid of the 55ft MFV Cawsand Bay. The fishing vessel, on passage to fishing grounds on the night of Monday June 28, 1982, ran aground nearly three miles south west of Oban. Another fishing vessel, Alert, tried to tow her off, but without success.

At 0018 on Tuesday June 29 a request for help came to the honorary secretary of Oban lifeboat station from the Coastguard and Ann Ritchie launched on service at 0030 under the command of Coxswain/Mechanic John Maclean. It was a fine night with occasional showers.

A gentle breeze, force 3, was blowing from the south west and the sea was slight. High tide was at 2353.Cawsand Bay was reached at 0035 and a towline passed. By 0117 the fishing vessel had been refloated and the lifeboat then took her in tow back to Oban; she was moored alongside North Pier by 0152. The lifeboat was refuelled and once more ready for service at 0230.

Following the successful completion of her evaluation trials, Ann Ritchie was placed on service at Oban lifeboat station on Monday October 25, 1982..