Invergordon RNLI Assists Broken Down Vessel Off Moray Coast
Volunteer crew from Invergordon RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard on Friday 22 May at 11:55am to assist a vessel which had suffered engine failure and was drifting with three persons onboard
The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat 'Agnes AP Barr' launched from Invergordon’s West Harbour with six volunteer crew onboard following a request from the UK Coastguard. The incident marked the station’s third call-out of the week.
Making good speed to the scene, the lifeboat arrived approximately 20 minutes after launching, where the casualty vessel, a 20-metre steel hulled boat, was located drifting following mechanical failure.
Newly qualified Coxswain Reece Porter took command of the lifeboat for his first operational service call. Following an assessment of the situation, it was decided to place two volunteer crew members aboard the casualty vessel to assist with attempts to restart the engine.
After successful efforts to restore power, the lifeboat remained on scene and provided an escort as the casualty vessel and her three crew made safe inward passage from Burghead towards Buckie.
Once satisfied the vessel was safely proceeding under its own power, the lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to Invergordon’s West Harbour. The crew refuelled and made the lifeboat ready again for service by 4:25pm.
Speaking following the callout, Coxswain Reece Porter said:
“It was great to see the crew working professionally together to assist the vessel and ensure those onboard were brought safely back towards harbour. I’m proud to have taken command on my first operational service launch and grateful for the support and experience of the volunteer crew around me.”
Invergordon RNLI reminds all boat users to ensure engines and onboard equipment are regularly maintained and to always carry suitable means of communication when heading to sea
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Michael MacDonald, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, 01349 801216, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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