North Berwick RNLI lifeboat crew launched to assist yacht in difficulty

North Berwick inshore lifeboat Evelyn M launched at 6.30pm in response to a request for assistance from the crew of the yacht Nersus. They had given up sailing as there was no wind and when they had been under power from their engine, they had experienced a serious mechanical fault. They were conscious that it would soon be dark and decided to ask for help sooner rather than later.

The lifeboat towed the yacht back to North Berwick were it was placed on a mooring buoy in the bay and the crew brought ashore.

North Berwick RNLI press officer said 'The crew of the Nersus recognised at an early stage that they need help and asked the coastguard. This is exactly what our volunteer crew train for. In the calm conditions, with the good visibility and daylight it was a very straightforward rescue. We encourage all sea users not to be afraid to ask for help and if possible at the earliest opportunity.'

Photograph taken by Rhona Meikle (Crew)

RNLI media contacts:

Rhona Meikle, volunteer lifeboat press officer at North Berwick, 07767 251023, [email protected]

Or Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.