Invergordon RNLI launched to EPIRB in Moray Firth sparking multi agency search
The call came through at 6:17pm on Tuesday 20th April from UK Coastguard Aberdeen Operations room requesting the launching of the Invergordon Lifeboat to undertake a search from Cromarty Firth Sutors to Brora, the first callout for Invergordon’s new Shannon Class Lifeboat
Initial tasking was to use the Shannon’s Lifeboat state of the art technology VHF Directional Finder to help pinpoint the direction of the activated Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon which was giving a 20 mile radius on Brora.
The crew made best speed to the initial search area and with the assistance of HM Coastguard Helicopter R151 from Inverness, an extensive search was carried out.
With further information coming through, the search radius was narrowed to 5 miles around Brora, and the volunteer Shannon crew performed a Parallel Search until the UK Coastguard were satisfied no vessel was in distress.
The Lifeboat was released from service and made the journey back to Invergordon’s West Harbour, where she was washed down, refuelled, cleaned to COVID-19 guidelines and made ready for service shortly after midnight.
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