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Kirkwall Volunteer Lifeboat Crew in Pre-Dawn Rescue of Two People on Yacht

Lifeboats News Release

The Kirkwall volunteers launched the all-weather lifeboat shortly before 1.30am on Monday, 9 August, in order to assess the situation at the request of UK Coastguard.

Lifeboat and yacht arrive at Kirkwall

RNLI/Graham Campbell

Kirkwall lifeboat with yacht in tow
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The lifeboat arrived on scene, three miles south of Copinsay, at around 2.35am to find the yacht, which had lost all power and was drifting in light winds. Due to the very poor visibility, in darkness, and thick foggy conditions, it was decided that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties.

At 6.15am the casualty yacht was secured safely alongside the marina in Kirkwall and the lifeboat returned to her berth where she was refuelled and made ready for service.

This call-out gave the crew their second night at sea in six days. Our volunteers are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, and always ready to assist anyone in distress at sea.
Foggy conditions on arrival at the marina

RNLI/Graham Campbell

Lifeboat and yacht at the marina in foggy conditions
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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.

About the author

Graham Campbell
Lifeboat Press Officer, Kirkwall Lifeboat Station

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