Two lifeboats took 16 passengers and crew off a tall ship after it ran aground on rocks in Oban Bay.

Two rigid inflatable boats (Ribs) were involved in the operation to rescue The Flying Dutchman and its crew after the vessel became stuck on Scrat reef on Saturday.

They had to wait for high tide before the vessel was able to float away a few hours later. A volunteer RNLI crew member went aboard the ship to assist the crew. Once it was afloat, a towline was passed on board by the lifeboat crew and the ship was taken to Oban North Pier.

A RNLI spokesman said: "When any vessel runs aground there is always the possibility of damage being sustained so to ensure the safety of all passengers they were disembarked by two local Ribs."

Picture: Kevin McGlynn