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RNLI Lerwick Lifeboat assists yacht with engine problems

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick Lifeboat crew launched earlier this morning to assist a 14-metre yacht with engine problems, south of Lerwick.

Relief Severn-class lifeboat - 'RNLB Beth Sell'. Credit: RNLI Lerwick

RNLI

Relief Severn-class lifeboat - 'RNLB Beth Sell'. Credit: RNLI Lerwick
The German-registered vessel with six people on board had encountered engine problems yesterday while approaching Shetland from the east. However, under sail the skipper had managed to almost reach Lerwick harbour before needing assistance.

At the request of HM Coastguard, Lerwick lifeboat launched just after 7.30am, reaching the stricken yacht within ten minutes, less than one nautical mile from the Ness of Sound.

A decision was made to take the vessel under tow and the lifeboat and yacht arrived in Lerwick Harbour around 8.20am, with the yacht brought alongside a pontoon in the Albert Dock.

Sea conditions were moderate, with south easterly winds increasing Force 4-5, and an air temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius.

Tommy Goudie, Deputy Coxswain said: “With some sea swell and gusting winds this morning, manoeuvering this yacht wasn’t straightforward but we were pleased to be able help the crew of this yacht to the safety of Lerwick Harbour, where they can carry out engine repairs.”

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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