Early alarm call for RNLI Buckie Lifeboat

An 18ft fishing boat had suffered engine failure and had called for assistance, drifting some 2.5 miles northeast of Portknockie. Making best speed in excellent conditions, Buckie’s Severn-class ‘William Blannin’ drew alongside the casualty just 20 minutes later, around 7.10am.

Coxswain Mike Rennie says: “Both crew members were wearing lifejackets and seemed well-equipped. Their mechanical failure meant a tow to the nearest safe harbour, Portknockie, was needed.”

Approaching Portknockie, it was clear the shallow water at low tide would deny access to the 40-tonne Severn, so coxswain Rennie made plans to deploy the inflatable Y-boat to take over the last 200 metres of the tow into harbour. In the event. This was not necessary: a local boat, the ‘Westward’, was just leaving harbour as the lifeboat approached and offered to tow the casualty in.

“I’d like to thank our volunteer crew for a swift turnout and a professional service,” says coxswain Mike Rennie, “and also to thank the crew of the ‘Westward’ for their assistance in the final stages.”

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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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.