Anstruther RNLI responds to a stricken pleasure craft off Pittenweem Harbour
Anstruther RNLI all-weather lifeboat Robert and Catherine Steen was launched for its first ‘Shout’ of 2026 on Thursday afternoon (8 January) to a 26-foot pleasure craft which had lost power half a mile from Pittenweem Harbour with three persons onboard.
The Skipper of the pleasure craft had made an emergency call to HM Coastguard and reported that his vessel, with three persons on board, had lost all drive and was now drifting precariously towards the rocky shoreline of Pittenweem. The Coastguard initiated the Anstruther RNLI pagers at 2.06pm and requested the launch of the Anster lifeboat.
Within 21 minutes of the Coastguard requesting the launch of the Anstruther RNLI Shannon, it had been approved, the volunteer crew had assembled, kitted out, been briefed, launched the all-weather lifeboat, and had located the stricken vessel by 2.27pm; much to the relief of the Skipper and the two passengers of the immobilised vessel, which was now drifting and without power.
Upon arrival at the scene, the Coxswain of the Anstruther RNLI Lifeboat, Michael Bruce, assessed the situation and deemed that the vessel may have suffered gearbox failure, as the engine was still running, but with no propulsion. Therefore, with the safety of the casualties being the main consideration, it was decided that the stricken vessel would be towed to the nearest and most suitable port.
The Anster volunteer crew implemented their well rehearsed drills and within short order the stricken pleasure craft was under a stern tow back to Anstruther Harbour where it could be safely assessed and repaired at a later date.
The slight sea conditions and an Easterly, Force 3 wind enabled the Anstruther RNLI Lifeboat to quickly tow the vessel back to Anstruther Harbour, and after transferring to an alongside tow, safely moored the pleasure craft in a berth on the pontoon by 3.15pm.
Michael Bruce, Coxswain for Anstruther’s RNLI Lifeboat, said: ‘Mechanical failure can happen at any time, despite having a well looked after boat and regularly maintaining it. Therefore, when taking to the sea you are advised to prepare for all eventualities. If your vessel gets into a difficult situation, call the Coastguard and drop your anchor, if it is safe to do so, to prevent your vessel from drifting and getting into more danger.
Furthermore, prior to leaving port, check the weather forecast, the tide times and ensure that all persons onboard are reminded of the safety procedures and that they are fully briefed on the use of emergency equipment, should a situation escalate. The RNLI will always respond where there is a potential risk to life, and we will try and get to you as fast as we can.’
End
Notes to editors
The attached picture shows the Anstruther RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Robert and Catherine Steen’s launch for its first ‘shout’ of 2026 on 8 January 2026: Credit RNLI Anstruther.
The attached video shows the Anstruther RNLI all-weather lifeboat, Robert and Catherine Steen responding to the first ‘shout’ of 2026’ on 8 January 2026: Credit RNLI Anstruther.
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Key facts about the RNLI
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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