Peterhead Lifeboat Volunteers Respond to ‘Man Overboard’ Call from Catamaran
Peterhead RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew were paged yesterday (Saturday) afternoon to assist two sailors whose catamaran had capsized off Cruden Bay.
Once underway, the lifeboat crew made best speed to the capsized vessel, aware that there were potentially two casualties in the water. As the lifeboat arrived on the scene, the casualties were being assisted by the crew of the NorthLink Ferry, MV Hrossey’s, ‘fast response craft’ (FRC) which had launched to assist and had pulled one casualty from the water. A small fishing vessel from Cruden Bay had also responded and helped the other casualty from the water. The lifeboat crew quickly launched their smaller, daughter craft, ‘Y boat’ and proceeded to the fishing vessel where both casualties were now waiting. The volunteer crew launched with a first aid kit but due to the excellent precautions taken by the sailors who were in dry suits and lifejackets, the two people required very little attention from the crew.
Coxswain David Weir who helmed the smaller Y-boat said:
“The casualties had done their absolute best to right their vessel but were getting tired and needed assistance. They had also made the good decision to dress appropriately for the sea conditions. Despite the weather being very warm at the weekend, the sea around Scotland remains cold all year so the kit they had on kept them safe and alive.”
Once the casualties were confirmed as safe, the small fishing vessel continued to tow the capsized catamaran into Cruden Bay whilst the lifeboat ‘The Misses Robertson of Kintail’ escorted them.
Duty Coxswain, Mike Rennie, said: “My thanks to the volunteer crew for their quick response and professionalism throughout this shout, thanks also to the staff of the MV Hrossey, NorthLink ferry for the launch of their vessel and assistance of the casualties. Our great thanks as well to the small fishing vessel which not only helped the casualties from the water, but also took their boat under tow into Cruden Bay. We’re very glad that the casualties were none the worse for wear and absolutely commend them for the choices they made in terms of their safety equipment and clothing.”
Despite Scotland basking in a heatwave over the weekend, the RNLI is keen to remind those taking to the water or visiting the coast that both inland and coastal waters remain very cold throughout the year, never really rising about 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, those visiting the coast or enjoying the water should take appropriate precautions such as wearing a wet/dry suit, buoyancy aid and carrying a means of calling for help.
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.
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.