Invergordon RNLI respond to Mayday Call in Moray Firth.
The Invergordon RNLI lifeboat “Douglas Aikman Smith” launched yesterday afternoon to the highest request for immediate assistance a 'MayDay'
The volunteer crew of 6 launched the all-weather Trent class Lifeboat at 2.17pm, and made best speed towards the reported position given by Aberdeen Coastguard from the crew of the broken down vessel who issued the May Day call.
Mayday is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice-procedure radio communications.
With clear visibility up the Cromarty Firth and round the South Sutor towards McFarquhar's Cave, with a slight sea state the stricken vessel was soon located along with a Rib Futuristic which had also responded from Nairn.
With 2 persons on board the casualty vessel, an 14m steel hull ex work-boat now pleasure craft, a tow line was quickly established to pull the vessel from safety, due to a loss in hydraulic steering.
With the tow line secured, the Lifeboat made its way back to the safety of Cromarty Harbour where the ‘Auk’ will be berthed to undergo repairs before an onward passage.
On reaching the Harbour entrance crew brought the Auk’s tow alongside the Lifeboat to aid the manoeuvrability to the available berth in Cromarty.
Local Coastguard teams were on scene to assist with ropes, and once secured the Lifeboat departed for Invergordon and the berth in the West Harbour.
The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 4.45pm
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.