Kartli was a Bulgarian fish factory ship returning to the Black Sea in gale force conditions with c 750 tons of fish, when it was struck by a freak wave c 10nm SW of Islay. A 202 Squadron RAF Sea King Rescue 172 was initially on scene, joined by 2 Sea Kings (Rescue 177 and Rescue 178) of 819 Squadron RN.

A number of serious casualties were first taken to hospital in Northern Island while walking wounded and uninjured were dropped aboard RFA Olna and the Shell tanker Drupa. accompanied by the RNLI Islay Lifeboat. After hot food and warm clothing issued, the survivors were brought ashore at HMS Gannet, the following morning.

Kartli was washed aground on the west coast of Gigha, in the Sound of Jura.