Anstruther RNLI Launch to assist a local fishing vessel
On Monday 19 November, the volunteer crew at Anstruther responded to a request from the UK Coastguard at 5pm to assist a local fishing vessel that was having difficulties with its engine.
The All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB) The Kingdom of Fife, was promptly launched and arrived with the casualty vessel around 15 minutes after the pagers sounded just half a mile off St Monans.
The vessel had been having issues with its engine and was drifting in worsening sea conditions as a strong wind was picking up. A tow was set up and the vessel was safely brought back into Pittenweem harbour at around 5.45pm.
Coxswain Michael Bruce hailed the quick thinking of the fisherman to call for assistance in unfortunate circumstances. Michael added ‘Although this shout was to assist a local fisherman who has great knowledge and experience of the sea, sometimes things happen out with our control and it is essential that you know how to get help. If you are ever at sea and get into trouble, no matter how experienced you are, call the coastguard and ask for help.’
Due to tidal constraints the lifeboat was moored in Pittenweem so it could remain on service. Whilst the crew waiting on the tide to come in, they took this opportunity to nip home and eat their cold dinners, before returning to the station at 8.15pm to recover and rehouse the lifeboat ready for service.
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.