Peterhead lifeboat assists a small pleasure fishing vessel near Boddam Harbour.
On Saturday afternoon, Peterhead’s volunteer lifeboat crew were taking part in a routine training exercise when they found themselves involved in a live rescue in the Boddam area.
Peterhead RNLI’s volunteer crew were aboard their lifeboat the Misses Robertson of Kintail with Coxswain David Weir at the helm when the crew’s attention was caught by a group waving their arms on-board a small pleasure fishing boat.
Realising the group were in need of help the RNLI crew approached the smaller vessel and realised it had indeed suffered an engine difficulty.
Coxswain David Weir assessed the situation and realised that the group had no other means of propelling themselves back to safety. As the sole boat in the area and with people evidently in need of assistance it was decided that the safest option for all involved was to take the small vessel in an alongside tow. The casualty vessel was then taken the short distance to the nearest safe and appropriate port, Boddam Harbour.
Speaking about the rescue, Coxswain David Weir said: "It just shows the importance of keeping good lookout while at sea, even on calm days vessels can find themselves getting into difficulties.
“It’s always really important to carry a means of calling for help when you’re out on the water, whether that’s a VHF radio or a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, you just need some way of getting the message out that you need help.”
Crew member Sandy Garvock who was also present during the training added: "It was a great opportunity to see how quickly training can turn into a proper rescue and fortunately we were close by to assist the vessel.
“Thankfully it was an easy one for my first shout!"
If you find yourself in difficulty on the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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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