RNLI Kessock launch three times in one day – shore crew applauded

The pagers first sounded at 5.42am where the volunteer crew from Kessock Lifeboat were requested to launch by UK Coastguard to assist in a multi-agency search in the Beauly Firth. The RNLI crew assembled and made good speed to the local scene to assist Search and Rescue partners from Police Scotland and the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 151. The service was successfully concluded and the lifeboat and crew returned to the RNLI station at Craigton Point.

Later in the afternoon, at 2.05pm, Kessock RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Coastguard to assess the situation reported by a yacht which had run aground close to the entrance to Inverness Marina. Upon arrival at the location at Carnac Point it was apparent that the yacht had suffered a fouled propeller and required assistance.

Weather conditions at the time were reasonable winds with the tide flooding in and wind over tides picking up. The RNLI Lifeboat Helm assessed the situation and made the decision that the safest way to assist was to undertake an alongside tow and return the vessel to the nearest safe and suitable port, which in this instance was Inverness Marina.

Following the safe escort into the marina, the RNLI lifeboat was requested for the third time today to assist a further yacht which had run aground in the vicinity and close to the locally known Longman Beacon.

Doug Grant, who was Senior Helm on all three shouts today for the Kessock Atlantic 85 boat the Robert and Isobel Mowat , says: ‘Today’s triple shout once again highlights that the dedicated training plan that our volunteer crew follows prepares us for any eventuality in our seas.’

He continued, “Today I would like to personally praise and highlight the efforts of our shore crew whose dedication and energy make such a difference to the crew on the boat, particularly on multiple shouts like today. The RNLI is proud to promote the “One Crew” message and for us in Kessock, it is very visible and means everyone’s contribution is recognised as the lifesaving effort it is. ”

Doug Grant continued, “On a further local safety note for mariners, the area around the Longman Beacon is particularly silted at present and extra caution is advised upon approach to the navigational markers indicating Inverness Marina.

The charity lifeboat returned to the boat house to be washed down and refuelled and made available for service from 4.15pm today.

Ends

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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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