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Lerwick lifeboat called out twice to tow in a yacht and a workboat

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick lifeboat has today responded to two calls for assistance from vessels each needing to be towed into Lerwick harbour.

RNLI/Bob Kerr

Lerwick lifeboat approaches Victoria pier with a yacht and four crew on board, after an eight hour tow
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The lifeboat first launched at 6am this morning at the request of UK Coastguard to
assist a Norwegian yacht, approximately 35 nautical miles east of Sumburgh Head.

The 12 metre sailing vessel had lost her forestay and sail, and also had lost radio
communications. The four crew, all uninjured, had attracted the attention of a
nearby supply boat, which had taken them on board and was able to contact the
UK Coastguard.

The lifeboat arrived around 7.30am and secured a line on board the yacht to take up
the tow. With a moderate sea swell and westerly winds, the lifeboat made steady
progress back to Lerwick harbour averaging around five knots and returning to
Victoria Pier around 3.30pm.

Just an hour later, Lerwick lifeboat was launched again to go to the aid of a local
workboat, which had lost power near Hoo Stack, approximately six nautical miles
north of Lerwick harbour. The lifeboat was soon able to attach a line and tow the
vessel to Morrison Dock in Lerwick harbour, arriving around 6.15pm.

Darren Harcus, Coxswain of RNLI Lerwick lifeboat, said he was happy with the
outcome of both rescues: “It’s been a long day and I’m pleased that we were able to
assist both vessels and tow each of them safely into harbour. Our volunteer crews
are on call 24/7 and the skippers of both vessels did the right thing by raising the
alarm with the Coastguard as soon as they realised they needed assistance.”

RNLI media contacts

Bob Kerr, Lifeboat Press Officer, (07787) 131343, [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland,
01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Henry Weaver, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland,
01738 642986, 07771 943026, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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.

About the author

Bob Kerr
Lifeboat Press Officer, Lerwick Lifeboat Station

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