Aith RNLI urge boat users to 'Let The Coastguard Know'

Boat owners are being reminded to please inform the Coastguard Agency if they will be leaving vessels unattended for any period of time. The Aith Lifeboat was called out on Sunday evening (14th June 2020) after reports of a small boat lying empty near an uninhabited isle to the west of Scalloway.

Whilst no missing persons had been reported in the area, the volunteer crew of the RNLI Charles Lidbury were asked by local Coastguard officers to make their way to the scene and investigate. The call out came at 1630 hours, and the lifeboat team then steamed south to where the skiff had been moored - near the skerry of Sanda Stour at the entrance to Weisdale Voe.

Upon arrival, the small boat was recognised by a crew member - who then made contact with the boat's owner to confirm that they were safe and well. The lifeboat crew were then able to return to base, reaching the Aith station by 1930 hours.

A spokesperson for the RNLI said: "We will always be available to respond to potential emergencies, but some call outs are easily avoidable - if boat owners can please remember to inform the authorities of any vessels being left unattended at sea or moored away from their usual berthing. It helps prevent causing public alarm and helps to protect the RNLI's resources."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency can be contacted by local boat owners via radio or by phoning the Lerwick station on 01595 692 976

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.