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False Alarm for Stromness RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

The volunteer crew of Stromness RNLI lifeboat responded to the aid of a vessel whose emergency beacon had alerted coastguards yesterday (Friday 12 May 2023).

Lifeboat steaming away from the berth. Hoy hills in the background

RNLI/Richard Clubley

Violet Dorothy and Kathleen heading out of Stromness
The Stromness RNLI lifeboat Violet Dorothy and Kathleen was already ten miles into a thirty-mile search, north west of Stromness, when the coastguard informed the crew the beacon had been activated accidentally. They confirmed that there was no threat to life and that the Stromness RNLI lifeboat could return to the station.

A spokesperson for Stromness RNLI says: 'The crew would far rather turn out and not be needed than fail to arrive in time to avert a much worse situation. The lifeboat went about and was back on her berth and re-fuelled a little over an hour after having launched. Thanks to the crew for their prompt action. Comments on our Facebook page afterwards appreciated that and showed how people understand, absolutely, that this was not a wasted effort.'

Notes to editors

ยท Stromness lifeboat station has been operating since 1867. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/stromness-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Richard Clubley, 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.

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