RNLI Peterhead launched to assist multi-agency search operation

Tasked by HM Coastguard after reports of a person who had fallen in the water near Bullers of Buchan, both volunteer crews immediately launched to assist in the multi-agency operation.

The Peterhead Tamar class lifeboat RNLB The Misses Robertson of Kintail, and Aberdeen’s Severn class all weather lifeboat Bon Accord carried out thorough searches around the coastal area between Cruden Bay and Peterhead in dark and choppy conditions.

Coastguard teams from Peterhead and Cruden Bay, Rescue Helicopters Bond 1 (Aberdeen) who was then relieved by HM Coastguard Rescue helicopter 151 (Inverness) were also scouring the areas. HM Coastguard stood down the lifeboats from the search at 11.54pm with the plan to resume at first light.

The search recommenced at around 6.30am on Saturday, with Coastguard teams from Peterhead, Cruden Bay and Fraserburgh as well as RNLI Lifeboats from Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Police Scotland also deployed their drone unit.

The search was stood down at 4pm.

Peterhead Lifeboat Operations Manager Jurgen Wahle said: “We were immediately launched last night (Friday) to assist in a search operation after reports that a climber had fallen in the water.

“Along with Aberdeen Lifeboat and Coastguard teams, including the rescue helicopters, we conducted a thorough search of the area between Cruden Bay and Peterhead.

“As the search went on and the conditions and visibility worsened, the decision was taken by HM Coastguard at 11.54pm to stand down and continue at first light when visibility would be clear.”

Jurgen continued: “We resumed our search first thing on Saturday morning when it was light again and continued throughout the day. We stood down at 4pm after sadly not finding the casualty despite the extensive search.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• Peterhead lifeboat station been operating since 1865. The current Peterhead Lifeboat Station, the third built, was opened in 1999 and is staffed by one full-time RNLI employee.
• The Lifeboat, a Tamar class RNLB Misses Robertson of Kintail, is berthed approximately 100 metres away.
• To learn more about the station, go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/peterhead-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Stacey Lynch, Peterhead Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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