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Launch for Kirkwall RNLI lifeboat to aid stricken yacht
At 4.01am on Friday 11 September, Kirkwall's volunteer crew responded to a call on their pagers from the Shetland Coastguard to assist a yacht in trouble 14 nautical miles east of Start Point Lighthouse, off the east coast of Sanday; one of Orkney’s north isles.
RNLB Margaret Foster made good speed out of Kirkwall Bay passing Shapinsay and Eday and motoring by Sanday to reach the casualty vessel at 5.38am. The sea was rough, with swell heights of 2 metres but visibility was good. The crew began their journey in the dark reaching the scene minutes before sunrise.
The coxswain brought RNLB Margaret Foster near to the yacht to ascertain the extent of the yacht’s issues. The yacht had lost its steering because of a rudder issue, leaving the vessel vulnerable against the westerly winds of 17-21 knots.
The crew decided that the safest option was to establish a tow line, which was expertly attached. The crew on the casualty vessel were all well and did not require any immediate casualty care.
At 12.20pm the casualty vessel had been secured at Kirkwall Marina, and the lifeboat was secured alongside, refuelled and ready for her next service.
Sean Ryrie, Kirkwall RNLI Coxswain on duty, said: ‘It became apparent when we approached and spoke to the crew of the casualty vessel that a wind rudder they had deployed had also stopped working. As a result, they were not moving, which made getting the heaving line to them more difficult coupled with the fact they were beam on to the weather.
'The lifeboat crew did well and were quick on the ropes, which meant we had a successful rescue. The yacht crew did the right thing in contacting the coastguard when they did.’
Notes to editors
A wind rudder, or windvane, controls a completely separate rudder attached to the boat’s transom. This rudder can be deployed in emergency situations if the main steering breaks. It uses control lines that are connected directly to the yacht’s main wheel or tiller.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Erica Niven, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Kirkwall RNLI, [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]
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.