Fishing boat rescue shows RNLI Stonehaven crew training pays dividends
The RNLI Stonehaven lifeboat crew was called out to help a lobster fisherman with engine problems just after 5pm today (Saturday 14 August).
The fisherman had got into trouble at Crawton Ness, four miles south of Stonehaven, when he had been out fishing for lobster and crabs.
The volunteer crew was called out to assist and they launched the inshore lifeboat the Jamie Hunter just after 5pm.
In good weather with little wind, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat headed south to the boat, put it under tow and then made their way back to Stonehaven harbour.
Keith Gaskin, RNLI helm for Stonehaven’s lifeboat, said: “The fisherman started to experience engine problems on his boat so anchored himself and called the Coastguard.
“It was exactly the right thing to do. He very sensibly waited for us to turn up and we towed him back into Stonehaven harbour.
“We even returned him back to his very own berth.
“But one thing it did show was that, despite the disruption of recent months, the crew managed to perform the rescue absolutely flawlessly.
“Regular training has been difficult under all the restrictions but they carried out the whole operation safely and efficiently.
“We know we have been keeping up training as practically as possible but it is so gratifying to see it pay off in a real life rescue.”
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.