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Lerwick lifeboat launched to aid fishing vessel

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick lifeboat's volunteer crew today went to the aid of a Banff-registered fishing vessel that had lost power in heavy seas.

The Severn-class all weather lifeboat, RNLB Michael and Jane Vernon

RNLI/Bob Kerr

RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat 17-10
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Just before 2pm, Lerwick lifeboat was launched to assist the 24-metre long fishing vessel that had lost power, due to a suspected electrical fault. The vessel was around 30 nautical miles south east of Sumburgh Head at the time, in strong westerly winds and heavy seas.

However, the crew of the fishing vessel were able to start their engines and get underway again, whilst the lifeboat was around 20 nautical miles south-east of Sumburgh Head. Lerwick lifeboat returned to station and was refuelled and ready for service again by 5.30pm.

Darren Harcus, Coxswain of Lerwick Lifeboat said – “Although it seems that the crew of the vessel weren’t in any imminent danger, we’re pleased that they were able to restore power themselves, without our assistance. Strong winds and sea swell could have made this a different outcome. Our volunteer crew are always on call to assist, whatever the weather.”

RNLI media contacts

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

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.


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.

About the author

Bob Kerr
Lifeboat Press Officer, Lerwick Lifeboat Station

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