RNLI Longhope lifeboat assists vessel in distress
Unfortunate catch for local fishing boat
On 24 October Longhope lifeboat was launched after the skipper of a local fishing boat alerted the UK Coastguard.
The sole occupant of the 22ft vessel was attending his creels just off Rinnigal Pier, Lyness. Unfortunately an unmarked, submerged mooring line from a disused fish farm had become entangled in the boat's propeller.
The lifeboat was launched at 13.15 and arrived on scene at 13.25. Divers working at a nearby fish farm assisted the stricken vessel by cutting and removing the offending rope. The lifeboat was standing by and the volunteer crew had attached a precautionary tow rope as the incident happened in about 3 metres of water.
Weather conditions were good and the sea flat calm. Deputy Coxswain Colin Bates said: 'Despite the clear, calm weather even the most experienced fishermen can encounter unexpected difficulties at sea and it just goes to show how we all need to respect the water.'
Once the propeller was cleared and the fishing vessel safely underway the lifeboat escorted the boat home into Longhope Bay. Back at station and refuelled the lifeboat was ready for service again by 14.15.
RNLI media contacts:
Mary Harris, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Longhope, 07709 692811, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07786 668903, [email protected]
Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, [email protected]
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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.
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