A long-serving crew member is retiring from life at sea following 30 years’ service with Oban Lifeboat.
GP Dr Colin Wilson has been a volunteer crew member for the west coast RNLI station since 1990, attending 660 call outs across the region.
Throughout his 30 year career, he has spent more than 11,000 hours at sea, travelling 12,668 miles and burning 159,891 litres of fuel.
Outwith the station, Dr Wilson has 35 years’ experience as a local GP and served time as a senior partner of the Lorn Medical Centre.
Looking back on his career, he said: “There are a few, but the night of the 28th July 2018 is one of them.
“It was a really nasty night with winds gusting 60 knots and we received three separate Mayday calls. It was a great crew all working together for good results in adverse weather.”
Fellow crew members have offered a sincere vow of thanks to him for his dedication to saving lives.
Finlo Cottier, a deputy coxswain and crew member of Oban lifeboat, who has served alongside Colin since 2001 said, “It’s always reassuring when you go to sea with Colin amongst the crew. A special blend of knowledge, wisdom and humour.”
