RNLI Invergordon diverted from crew training to assist stricken Fishing Vessel
RNLI Invergordon launched by Aberdeen Coastguard to a stricken Fishing Vessel 7 miles North of Findhorn Bay, which had developed engine trouble.
The RNLI Invergordon volunteer lifeboat crew were currently out at sea on their usual Monday (26th November) evening crew training, with a joint exercise with Coastguard 951 about to undertaking winching operations when call came through from Aberdeen Coastguard requesting the lifeboat to a tasking of locate and assist a stricken fishing vessel ‘FV Zenith’ 7 miles north of Findhorn Bay.
The Helicopter pulled away and the All-weather Trent Class made best speed to the reported location.
On arrival the situation was quickly assessed, and tow was passed to the Fishing Vessel, to begin a passage to Burghead Harbour. Due to tidal states, the Lifeboat and FV Zenith waited for the tide to flood before entering the harbour at 10.30pm.
Local Coastguard Rescue Teams were on hand on arrival to help secure the Fishing Vessel once alongside.
The Lifeboat departed Burghead Harbour at 10.45pm to make the trip back across the Firth to Invergordon’s West Harbour arriving just after midnight.
The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 12.30am.
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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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