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Longhope RNLI lifeboat comes to the rescue of grounded creel boat

Lifeboats News Release

Longhope lifeboat volunteer crew were paged today at 11.43am and the lifeboat was quickly launched to assist a local creel boat whose propeller had fouled, causing it to lose power and run aground at Crockness.

Helen Comrie leaving Longhope pier 30/09/2019

RNLI/Mary Harris

Leaving Longhope Pier
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All-weather lifeboat Helen Comrie was on the scene at 11.58am and, due to shallow water, the Y-boat was immediately launched to assess the situation. The Y-boat was quickly able to help establish a tow to the stricken vessel from the lifeboat and the creel boat was towed from danger.


Once the vessel was out of immediate danger, the tow was transferred to a local dive boat, which had been standing by to assist, enabling the lifeboat to return to Longhope pier and refuel at 1.15pm.

This was the first shout for new volunteer crew members Ros Ware and Derick Pearson who joined and began training earlier this year.

Coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick said 'There are big tides at the moment and it was ebbing fast, so the rescue of this boat & crew needed to be achieved quickly. RNLI training and expertise are key to effective, safe action in rapidly developing situations like this.'


Creel boat grounded at Crockness

RNLI/Mary Harris

Creel boat grounded at Crockness
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Rescue in Progress 30/09/2019 - hazy conditions

RNLI/Andy Fellows

Rescue in Progress 30/09/2019 - hazy conditions
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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.

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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.

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