Invergordon RNLI assist vessel with mechanical issues in Moray Firth

The volunteer crew of 7 launched the all-weather Trent class Lifeboat at 5.17pm, and made best speed towards the reported position given by Aberdeen Coastguard from the crew of the broken down vessel who issued a Pan Pan

A Pan-Pan are used in radiotelephone communications to signify that there is an urgency on board a boat, ship, aircraft, or other vehicle but that, for the time being at least, there is no immediate danger to anyone's life or to the vessel itself. This is referred to as a state of urgency.

Powering through fierce winds and heavy swells the Lifeboat made good speed and the 10m Dive Support vessel was located by the volunteer crew on the upper steering position maintaining a lookout as the position became closer, just of the Nairn coastline.

With 2 persons onboard the casualty vessel, an Offshore105 Dive Support boat, a tow line was quickly established in the punishing weather condition.

With the tow line secured, the Lifeboat made it’s way back to the safety of Invergordon West Harbour where the ‘Keltic Lady’ will be berthed to undergo engine repairs.

On reaching the Harbour mouth, the crew brought the Keltic Lady tow alongside the Lifeboat to aid the manoeuvrability to the available berth in the West Harbour.

Volunteer Crew were on scene along with Portmahomack Coastguard to help secure the vessel and once secured, the Lifeboat made the journey across the harbour to her berth and the Lifeboat was then refueled, and made ready for service by 7:50pm

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.