Kessock Lifeboat launch to rescue boys off Rosemarkie Beach

The dinghy had suffered an engine failure and was drifting out to sea from the beach at Rosemarkie.

The volunteer crew assembled, following Covid -19 protocols, and the charity lifeboat the Robert and Isobel Mowat made speed in good conditions out of the Beauly Firth and east to the location.

The lifeboat pulled alongside the vessel and towed them safely back to shore in an alongside tow.

Dougie Munro, boat Helm says: ‘The boys had shown great thinking by attaching themselves to a creel buoy to prevent drifting any farther with the offshore breeze. They were also wearing lifejackets and took the advice offered by ourselves and the Coastguard to invest in a waterproof bag to carry a mobile phone or mobile VHF for future trips. It was a great outcome and we were delighted to reunite them into the safe hands of the Coastguard and their waiting parents.’

The lifeboat returned to the station where the boat and all kit were washed down, refuelled and made ready for service by 4.30pm.

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.