Invergordon call-out launch to catch adrift vessel
Invergordon Volunteer Lifeboat crew were launched at 5:30pm Sunday 26 May to reports of a vessel adrift in the Cromarty Firth, with strong winds aiding the drift, the crew launched within a few minutes to secure the vessel.
The RNLI Invergordon All-weather Trent Class Lifeboat ‘Douglas Aikman Smith’ left its berth with 7 crew on board and made way to the west of the Firth where the local pilot boat was alongside the 16m vessel.
Three lifeboat crew members were transferred onto the vessel to check whether there were any persons on board and help establish a tow line to the lifeboat, it soon became apparent a shackle had snapped which in turn caused the work-boat to come free from its mooring and make its way down the firth towards the populated West Harbour where dredging and piling works are taking place for the harbour expansion.
With a towline now established there was a quick tow back to Invergordon’s West Harbour where was the vessel was secured alongside.
The Lifeboat moved across the harbour, and was made ready for service by 6:40pm.
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