First shout for new RNLI Peterhead crew member Michael
The volunteer crew at Peterhead Lifeboat were called to assist in an emergency search on Friday, May 29.
The Tamar class lifeboat, RNLB The Misses Robertson of Kintail, launched at 4.48pm at the request of the UK Coastguard to assist in a search following an emergency call.
The Tamar lifeboat, along with the Y Boat, conducted a thorough search of Sandford Bay and along the coast to the North Head.
After a search of the whole area, as well as searching Peterhead Bay and Marina, nothing was found and the volunteer crew were stood down at 6.25pm. The sea was flat and calm and visibility was clear.
It was the first ‘shout’ for crew member Michael Ritchie. Michael received his pager on Monday, May 18 and he didn’t have to wait long before it went off!
Describing the moment his pager went off for the first time, he said: “When I heard the pager go off I was in the middle of preparing supper so I dropped everything and made my way down to the shed – I made sure the cooker was off first!
“After suiting up I made my way to the boat, I was feeling excited but slightly nervous too. After slipping our lines, we were off! After we got past the break water and headed south we got the Y Boat underway and began the search, however nothing was found.
"When we got back to the station, I realised I had managed to lock my wife Ashleigh out of the house as she was walking the dog at the time I left and I presumed she had her key with her!
“I have always wanted to join the RNLI as it is a worthwhile cause and gives you the chance to help people in need. I am also fond of the sea and love boats so I jumped at the chance to learn new skills and be part of such a professional team.”
Martyn Simpson, Coxswain Mechanic at Peterhead Lifeboat, said: “It’s great to have Michael on the crew. He has trained hard over the past few months, especially through these unusual times when we’re having to adapt the way we train, and it was really good for him to get his first shout so soon to put all that training into reality.”
RNLI Peterhead’s volunteer crew remains fully on call during the current COVID-19 pandemic but have had to adapt to new regulations to safely comply with Government Guidelines.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Peterhead lifeboat station has been operating since 1865.There have been two stations. The first established in 1865 and closed in 1928 and the present station established in 1912. 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
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.