
RNLB Helen Comrie launches in response to Police concerns
On Thursday 11 July 2024, the Longhope lifeboat, RNLB Helen Comrie launched in response to a concern for welfare, raised by Police Scotland.
At 5:07pm, a tasking request was received from HM Coastguard following a request from Police Scotland to conduct a welfare check on a yacht moored off the eastern side of the first Churchill Barrier, Orkney. The RNLB Helen Comrie was launched at 5:20pm.
The yacht had been seen anchoring in Cornquay Bay on Tuesday, 10 July, but its crew had not been sighted since. The RNLB Helen Comrie and her volunteer crew made their way to the location, arriving on the scene at 6:15pm. Upon investigation, it was established that the lone sailor was safe and well, simply enjoying the peace and quiet that Orkney offers, and there was no cause for alarm. Accordingly, the lifeboat departed the scene and returned to Longhope, arriving at 7:05pm, where it was refuelled and made ready for service.
The RNLI provides a service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and no task is too small. We are always relieved and happy when a tasking has a positive outcome.
Notes to editors
ยท 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 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.
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