
A quick response from Longhope RNLI followed by a whale of a time…
On 5 February 2024, the RNLB Helen Comrie’s crew responded to a man overboard incident near Flotta, which fortunately concluded with the casualty's safe recovery. During their return, the crew encountered a humpback whale in Scapa Flow, marking a memorable moment amidst their lifesaving duties.
At 11:38am on Monday 5 February 2024, merely eight minutes after the alert, the RNLB Helen Comrie was launched on its second mission of the year, responding to a man overboard incident off Stanger Head, Flotta.
The operation took an optimistic turn when the Coastguard reported that the individual had been successfully recovered and was on route to Scapa Pier. Although the RNLB Helen Comrie initially followed to offer additional assistance, the crew were soon stood down as the casualty had been safely landed and was being transported to the hospital.
The return journey to Longhope brought an unexpected and breath-taking moment for the volunteer crew.
Volunteer trainee crew member, Abbie Shipley-Gordon, recounted the encounter: "As we were heading back through the middle of Scapa Flow, I noticed a large spray and a distinctive shape protruding from the water. It was the tail of a humpback whale. The sight was incredibly moving, so much so that it brought a tear to my eye. Witnessing a humpback whale in its natural habitat was something I had never dreamed of experiencing."
Coxswain Scott Johnston reflected on the experience, emphasising the crew's readiness to tackle emergencies at any time but acknowledging the pleasure brought by such encounters. "Being stood down because the casualty is safe always brings a sense of relief. And to have the journey back marked by the sight of a whale—our second in recent months—is remarkable. a sight that never ceases to amaze."
Notes to editors
· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874 and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)
RNLI media contacts
Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead 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.