
RNLI Lerwick launched to aid yacht with engine difficulties off Mousa
At the request of the UK Coastguard, Lerwick Lifeboat crew last night provided assistance to an 11-metre yacht with engine problems that had anchored off the island of Mousa.
The Irish-registered yacht with two crew on board had contacted the Coastguard to ask for assistance after discovering problems with their engine, possibly related to fuel systems. Earlier in the day, the yacht had left Grutness and motored up the east side before encountering difficulties and taking shelter off the west coast of Mousa.
Lerwick lifeboat launched around 5pm yesterday and made good speed from Lerwick harbour to reach the vessel in around 30 minutes. After putting a member of the lifeboat crew aboard to assess the situation, a decision was made to take the vessel under tow.
A tow line was established and the lifeboat and yacht made steady progress northwards to Lerwick at around six knots, reaching Victoria Pier at around 7.30pm. The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for service again.
Sea conditions were calm with light south easterly winds, Force 2-3, and an air temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius.
Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “We were pleased to assist this vessel who had encountered engine problems on their voyage north. With a forecast of strengthening winds and rain expected today, it’s a much safer option to be alongside in Lerwick Harbour where the crew can carry out inspection and engine repairs. Our volunteer crew are always available to be able to respond to request to launch.”
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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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