Stonehaven RNLI’s early morning sailing vessel rescue
Stonehaven RNLI came to the aid of a sailing vessel early this morning (Thursday 27 May) after it developed engine problems.
The vessel was heading north under sail and had reached Dunnottar Castle, just south of Stonehaven, when the wind dropped at around 1am.
Weather conditions at the time were very good with flat calm seas.
Attempts were made to start the engine, but these were not successful. As concerns grew that the tide might pull the boat towards the rocky coast, the UK Coastguard called out the station’s inshore lifeboat
Jamie Hunter, which was launched at 4am.
Having reached the vessel and confirmed the two members of crew were safe and well, RNLI crew mechanic Paul Sim was taken on board and having assessed the situation, was able to get limited power from the engine.
This allowed the sailing vessel to be escorted into Stonehaven harbour just after 7am.
Speaking just after the call-out, helm Andy Martin said: 'It was certainly an early morning pager call for our volunteer crew, and they quickly got to the scene.
'It had the potential to become quite dangerous for the sailing vessel, but Paul’s mechanical experience and expertise came in very handy.
'We are pleased to have been able to help and the situation worked out with everyone recovered safe and well.'
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 142,700 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.