Pass out preparations interrupted as Dunbar RNLI launch to casualty vessel
Dunbar RNLI volunteer Gordon Kirkham was preparing for his coxswain pass out when the pagers sounded for real. The Coastguard tasked Dunbar RNLI at to assist a vessel in difficulty one mile off Torness Power Station.
At 1.35pm, 13 October 2025, Dunbar RNLI all-weather lifeboat John Neville Taylor launched to assist the 28ft motor cruiser that had become tangled in fishing gear. Heading into calm weather, the lifeboat was quickly on-scene and was able to assess the situation. The owner of the vessel had been trying to free the propeller but was unable to untangle the rope himself. The decision was made to put a crew member in the water to cut the rope and free the vessel. There was no damage to the vessel, and they continued towards their destination.
The crew were stood down at 2.25pm and returned to the station, where they prepared to relaunch for trainee coxswain Gordon Kirkham's final assessment.
Gordon’s assessment involved him taking command of the Trent-class lifeboat and safely managing a simulated search and rescue operation, including anchoring the vessel, man overboard drills and dealing with a fire on board the vessel.
Dunbar RNLI Coxswain Gary Fairbairn said 'The owner of the tail tied vessel was wearing his life jacket and did the right thing, calling for assistance when he was unable to free himself. This was a shout with a good outcome and a good test before Gordon’s pass out. I want to congratulate him for the hard work he has put into developing his skills as a coxswain. As a charity we rely on the dedication from volunteers like Gordon.'
Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth.
RNLI media contacts
Alexander Williams, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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