Nautical Term: Lyle gun

Definition of Lyle gun

A Lyle gun is a specialized piece of equipment used in life-saving services. This gun is employed to throw a life line, typically in the form of a buoy or rope, to a ship in distress or from ship to shore. The use of a Lyle gun is particularly valuable in situations where a boat cannot be launched. For instance, in the event of a storm or rough seas, it may be impossible to safely launch a rescue boat. In such cases, a Lyle gun can prove to be an invaluable asset in the efforts to save lives. For example, imagine a scenario where a cargo ship is caught in a fierce storm in the middle of the ocean. The ship’s crew is unable to launch the rescue boat due to the extreme conditions. In such a situation, the life-saving services on board the cargo ship would use a Lyle gun to throw a life line to the ship in distress. The life line would allow the crew of the distressed ship to be safely rescued by the cargo ship’s life-saving services. In this way, a Lyle gun plays a crucial role in saving lives in the most challenging of circumstances.

Explore other nautical terms:

Head back to the Nautical Dictionary

Take a Tour With Us!

Recommended Reading