Kirkwall RNLI launch in high winds to assist yacht

The volunteer crew swiftly assembled at Kirkwall harbour and launched at 11.42am, having been contacted by the Shetland Coastguard. They reached the the casualty at 11.50am and a tow rope was attached to safely tow the yacht to Kirkwall.

Once the yacht had been secured, the RNLI lifeboat Severn class, Margaret Foster, returned to berth, was refuelled and once again ready for service.

Stewart Ryrie, RNLI Kirkwall Coxswain said: 'Our volunteer crews are trained to save lives at sea in all weathers, we’d advice anyone in an emergency to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Notes to editors

· Kirkwall lifeboat station has been operating since 1972. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/kirkwall-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Charlie Derra, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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, Twitter 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.