Two RNLI Lifeboats launched to attend stricken fishing vessel.

Yesterday, March 2 2017, Longhope lifeboat was paged at 13.14 by UK Coastguard and requested to assist Kirkwall lifeboat already involved with a rescue of a disabled vessel. Travelling about a forty miles east of Orkney, Longhope lifeboat finally arrived on scene some two hours after leaving station. Although Kirkwall lifeboat had established a tow with the fishing boat, Longhope lifeboat stood by on the long tow back to Kirkwall.

The 35m Fraserburgh registered fishing boat Sunrise with 6 crew aboard was unable to make way when net became entangled in its propeller.

Sea conditions were rough with a 3m swell but visibility was good. Deputy Coxwain Angus Budge said: 'It was an extremely long day for Kirkwall lifeboat in unpleasant conditions. We were glad to cooperate with them and offer our support.'

The lifeboat was back at station at 22.40, refuelled and ready for service.

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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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