Invergordon RNLI assist 48ft vessel with mechanical issues in Moray Firth

The volunteer crew of 6 launched the all-weather Trent class Lifeboat at 5.37am, and made best speed towards the reported position given by Aberdeen Coastguard which was 5 miles of the coast of Nairn. With a clear visibility and a relatively calm seas state, the 48ft Dutch registered Sailing yacht was quickly spotted and verified using AIS Tracking.

With an experienced crew on board the vessel, the main sails were stowed and the yacht was made ready for a tow.

With the tow line secured, the Lifeboat made it’s away with her causality under tow to the safety of Inverness Marina, which was deemed the best option due to the size of the vessel.

On reaching the Kessock Bridge, the crew brought the ‘Zeildroom’ alongside the Lifeboat to aid the manoeuvrability to the available berth in the marina.

The Inverness Coastguard team were also standing by on the pontoon to help secure the yacht as it was brought alongside.

The Invergordon crew then made way back to Invergordon West Harbour and the Lifeboat was then refueled, and made ready for service by 9:20am.

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.

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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.