RNLI Kirkwall Lifeboat to rescue of yacht with two crew aground in Wide Firth.

Shetland Coastguards (SCG) paged Request Launch at 13:17 hrs and duty DLA Graeme Smith called for more information. He was informed that a sailing yacht with 2 persons on board had grounded on the Grassy Holms to the west of Shapinsay and had put out a MAYDAY call.

Launch ALB was paged at 13:18 hrs and the crew mustered at the station for briefing. Coxswain Ali Cameron and 6 more volunteer crew departed on Kirkwall Lifeboat (1713) at 13:25 hrs and proceeded to toward the casualty. SCG informed the lifeboat that it was reported by another vessel on the scene that the casualty had refloated but requested 1713 to continue towards her and check that all was in order.

1713 arrived on scene at 13:45 hrs to find that the vessel had indeed refloated and reported that there were no injuries. At 13:50 hrs the lifeboat's inflatable Y-boat was launched with 2 crew to inspect the casualty. Dieaneira's crew reported a small leak so the Lifeboat requested that the casualty to proceed to Kirkwall for safety and inspection. The Y-boat was recovered at 14:04 hrs.

The casualty vessel was escorted into Kirkwall where she was safely tied up in the marina at 15:10 hrs .

1713 returned to station where she was secured on her berth at 15:18 hrs and refuelled, ready for service again at 15:25 hrs.

This is the 12th service for Kirkwall lifeboat this year.

Graeme Smith

Lifeboat Press Officer

[email protected]

Tel. 01856 871207

Mob. 0783 007 1968

Notes to editors

• Kirkwall lifeboat station has been operating since 1974. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/kirkwall

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Graeme Smith, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 08730071968 or [email protected]

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