RNLI Lerwick lifeboat tasked twice this afternoon
Lerwick lifeboat was tasked by the Coastguard twice this afternoon - to assist in a search for a missing craft and to tow in a yacht that had fouled its propeller on its own rope.
RNLI Lerwick lifeboat tasked twice this afternoon
Lerwick lifeboat was tasked by the Coastguard twice this afternoon - to assist in a search for a missing craft and to tow in a yacht that had fouled its propeller on its own rope.
At around 12 noon, the lifeboat was launched in service to assist in a seach north of Bressay, for a fast rescue craft from a standby vessel which had lost contact during a training exercise. The craft was located a short while later by the Lerwick Port Authority vessel Knab, which had also been assisting with the search,
with all crew onboard found safe and well.
As the lifeboat crew were returning to Lerwick harbour, they were tasked again to assist a 14 metre Norwegian yacht, with three crew on board, that had fouled its jib sheet in the propeller, on the approach to the north entrance of the harbour. The lifeboat took the vessel under tow and was able to escort her to a safe berth alongside the pontoon in the small boat harbour for around 2pm.
The wind at the time was a fresh south easterly breeze, force four to five, and increasing.
Coxswain Darren Harcus said: "We were pleased to be able to assist in both the search and tow-in this afternoon, thankfully with both ending with successful outcomes. The wind has been increasing this afternoon and the crew on both vessels did the right thing in calling the coastguard and asking for assistance as soon as they realised they needed it. Our volunteer crew are always available to respond to 24 hours a day."
Bob Kerr, Lerwick Lifeboat Press Officer, 07787 131343 [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639,
[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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.