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RNLI Lerwick called to aid of missing diver and grounded yacht

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick Lifeboat launched earlier today to go to the aid of a diver reported missing south of the island of Bressay.

RNLI/Bob Kerr

Lerwick Lifeboat returns to harbour after a call-out for a missing diver, who was found safe and well.
Lerwick Lifeboat crew launched at around 11.40am at the request of the Coastguard, following a report of a diver who was overdue from a dive charter vessel, around one nautical mile from Bard Head on Bressay.

The missing diver was soon located on surface and the male diver appeared well but had been in the water for some time. He was taken aboard the lifeboat and returned to Lerwick Harbour at around 12.40pm where he was passed into the care of the ambulance service for a medical check.

Today’s call-out follows the grounding of a nine-metre Norwegian yacht yesterday morning, at around 4am north of Lerwick Harbour. The yacht had become stuck fast on a submerged rock on approach to the harbour and the crew had contacted the coastguard for assistance.

Lerwick Lifeboat launched and using the inflatable ‘Y-boat’, lifeboat crew were able to take the three uninjured crew from the stricken vessel on board the lifeboat.

The lifeboat stood by as the rising tide eventually re-floated the yacht at around 8.15am. With no obvious damage to the hull, the yacht was taken under tow into Lerwick marina and the crew returned to the vessel.

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “Our volunteer crew are always on call to respond to any call for assistance. We’re pleased with the outcome of both these incidents, which could have been very different. The skippers of both vessels did the right thing in contacting the Coastguard as soon as they knew they needed assistance.”

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.

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