Stromness Lifeboat tows RIB to safety.

The Violet Dorothy and Kathleen was quickly on scene and took the Stromness Navigation School RIB under tow from her position at anchor west of Graemsay.

Hoy Sound has strong tidal currents at that location so it is no place for a small boat to be hanging about. The whole incident was over in under and hour with the RIB delivered safely back to the marina.

The engine failed in spite of regular and professional maintenance so will not now be returned to service until fully investigated and repaired.

Mark Shiner of the School expressed his deep appreciation for the quick and efficient help of the RNLI volunteer crew. Thanks echoed by the RIB crew.

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 142,700 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.